Sergeant Robert Edwin Whitney

Born on 13 March 1893 in Hampshire, North Orillia, Ontario - son of Mrs. Martha Whitney, Hampshire, North Orillia, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as fireman; single; no current military service; previously served with the 98th Regiment (in Fort Francis, two years); Wesleyan; height of 5 feet 9 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 8 March 1915 (number 410227) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 23 October 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 3 June 1917 - died on 14 June 1917 of wounds received that day - buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery (grave XXIX.A.4), France.

(Updated with a photo of Sgt Whitney's headstone that I took at Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in France 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)