Private Harold Fergus Travers

Born on 21 September 1895 in Toronto, Ontario – brother of Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Hubert Richard Travers – son of Fergus J. and Minnie Swan Travers, Ottawa, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as clerk; single; currently a member of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles (one year); no previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 4.5 inches; chest of 33 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; hazel eyes; black hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 22 February 1915 (number 410207) – served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda – landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 – killed in action on 18 November 1916 – name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Travers' inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(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; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, “Debt of Honour” register, www.cwgc.org)