Friday 11 January 2013

Private Walter Wesson

Born on 21 April 1895 in Burningham, England - brother of Albert Wesson, Swift Current, Saskatchewan - brother of Emma Edkins, Great Sparkhill, Birmingham, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Methodist; height of 5 feet 3.5 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; blue eyes; medium hair.

Joined the 97th Battalion, CEF, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on 17 April 1916 (number 261211) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 16 February 1917 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - buried in Canadian Cemetery No. 2 (grave Spec. Mem. No. 25), France.

(Includes a photo of Pte Wesson's headstone that I took in April 2007).

(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)

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