Private William John Walker

Born on 27 January 1885 in Flesherton, Ontario – son of the late John and Martha Walker, Flesherton, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Flesherton, Ontario; trade as labourer; single; no current or previous military service; Methodist; height of 5 feet 5.75 inches; chest of 38.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; fair hair.

Joined the 147th Battalion, CEF, in Owen Sound, Ontario, on 7 March 1916 (number 838950) – taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 26 or 27 June 1917 – killed in action on 10 August 1918 – remains unaccounted for; name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Walker's 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)