Private William Henry Whitehead

Born on 5 June 1898 in Salford, England - son of Thomas Whitehead, Royal Navy - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Omemee, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Methodist; height of 5 feet 5 inches; chest of 37.5 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; hazel eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 109th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 5 February 1916 (number 725236) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Whitehead'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)