Lieutenant Percival Charles Trendell

Born on 19 March 1897 in London, England – son of Ruth Trendell, Toronto, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as buttermaker; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 6.25 inches; chest of 34 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; fair hair. Sailed from Liverpool, England, to Canada in May 1914 to join his mother and elder brother, Edward – had been living in a boys’ home in Farning Ham, England, ever since his mother had gone to Canada in 1913 – lived briefly with his mother in Hamilton, Ontario, before joining his brother in Essex County, Ontario – father is deceased by this point – Edward Trendell enlisted in the CEF in December 1914 (eventually 19th Battalion, CEF) – Percy got a job in Guelph, Ontario – got a job with the Toronto Creamery in autumn of 1915.

Joined the 166th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 18 February 1916 (number 669801) – initially assigned to No.2 Platoon, A Company – departed Canada for England in September 1916 – taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 1 December 1916 – sent to England for the officers’ training course on 2 February 1918 – promoted to lieutenant with the 6th Reserve Battalion on 6 August 1918 – rejoined the 38th Battalion on 15 September 1918 – struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 17 June 1919.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Mackay collection, 38-016, Lt-Col. P.C. Trendell, “I Served with the 38th Battalion”, undated)