Friday 18 January 2013

Private Michael Joseph Whelan

Born on 5 March 1894 in Pembroke, Ontario - son of Michael and Hannah Whelan, Pembroke, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Pembroke, Ontario; trade as labourer; single; currently a member of the 42nd Regiment detachment in Pembroke (twenty months); no previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 9.75 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; weight of 150 pounds; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 240th Battalion, CEF, in Renfrew, Ontario, as an acting-sergeant on 12 August 1916 (number 1042072) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 10 or 11 November 1917 - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, CEF, on 28 November 1917 - killed in action on 28 September 1918 - buried in Canada Cemetery (grave I.A.24), France.

(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; Sailing List, 240th Battalion, CEF)

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