Private William Henry Waller

Born on 18 December 1896 in Canada – son of the late John and Annie Florence Waller, Ottawa, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as surveyor; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 8.75 inches; chest of 33 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 20 February 1915 (number 410083) – transferred to the 2nd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1915 – wounded on 7 December 1915 – killed in action on 9 September 1916 – remains unaccounted for; name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Waller'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)