Private Harry Thomas Watkin

Born on 23 April 1887 in Belleville, Ontario - husband of Victoria Watkin (late Dykes) - son of Delos and Elizabeth Watkin, Belleville, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as grocery clerk; married; no current military service; previously served with the 15th Regiment ("1 term"); Church of England; height of 5 feet 10 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Belleville, Ontario, on 25 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 10 June 1915 (number 410430) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - died of those wounds on 19 November 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Watkin'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)