Thursday 24 January 2013

Private Peter Valyear

Born on 15 May 1883 in Trenton, Ontario – brother of Mrs. A. Johnson, Trenton, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as painter; single; currently a member of the 49th Regiment (four years); no previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 6.25 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; hazel eyes; black hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Belleville, Ontario, on 22 May 1915 – transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 10 June 1915 (number 410650) – served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda – died of sickness in Bermuda on 12 March 1916 – buried in Prospect Hill Military Cemetery (grave 849), Bermuda.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Valyear's headstone in Prospect Hill Military Cemetery taken by Sgt. William MacDougall in 2009).

(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)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Interesting I was able to find this after very little searching, thanks for having it. Pte Valyear was one of grandmothers brothers. I was given a few photos before my fathers passing. One is a very large photo of him (I didnt know who he was). He is in full military dress standing amongst tall sugar cane. I also have the letter that the Chaplain sent his mother re his passing from rheumatic fever. I would scan and send picture but I dont have a scanner large enough. thanks again

Unknown said...

I was able to find this after very little searching so thank you. Pte Valyear was my grandmothers brother. I was left a letter from the Chaplain of the Battalion that was sent to his sister upon his passing from rheumatic fever. I also have a very large picture of him in full military dress standing in front of sugar cane. Thanks again for adding a piece of the puzzle.