Born on 6 September 1873 in Guildford, Surrey, England - nephew of James Beddoe, Guildford, Surrey, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer; widower (one child); no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 4 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Alexandria, Ontario, on 12 February 1915 (number 410638) - transferred to the 2nd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1915 - killed in action on 21 September 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.
(Updated with a photo of Pte Welch'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)
1 comment:
Leonard William Welch was my great-grandfather who was a British Home Child. He arrived in Canada June 1886 and although his place of birth on his Attestation document is incorrect, he had every reason to believe that Guilford was his place of birth as that is where many of his mother's immediate family resided. James Beddoe was his uncle by marriage to his aunt Laura Jane Welch. It is very seldom that I find an acknowledgement of "my" Welch ancestors so I am particularly appreciative of Ken's efforts in creating this website. Thank you, Ann
Post a Comment