Sunday 10 March 2013

Private Wilbert Wesley Wraith

Born on 9 August 1891 in Bruce County, Ontario - nephew of Dorothy Scott, Lucknow, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1917: present address in Toronto, Ontario; trade as bookkeeper; single; no current military service; previously served with the 33rd London Regiment (one camp as a private); Methodist; height of 5 feet 2.25 inches; chest of 34 inches fully expanded; medium complexion; dark grey eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined No. 2 Army Service Corps Training Depot, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 1 February 1917 (number 513899) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 11 July 1917 - wounded at duty on 16 or 17 April 1918 - killed in action on 1 November 1918 - buried in Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal Cemetery (grave I.B.18), 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)

2 comments:

Steve wraith said...

My name is Steven Wraith,I'm currently researching Wilbert Wesley Wraith. I am a direct desendant. Our family farm was in Lucknow ontario and am still trying to piece together the family tree from back then. I'm also trying to find out if he fought at vimy ridge or where he was wounded in battle.

Ken said...

Hi Steven. Pte Wraith's record indicates he joined the 38th Battalion in the field in France on 11 July 1917, so he would not have fought at Vimy Ridge. As for his being wounded in battle, I have found the following reference: “His coy had just crossed the canal d’escault W of Valenciennes and were advancing in single file to sp the fwd coy. He was in charge of the leading section and hit by frag of shell which landed close to them, death instant”. Hope this helps, Ken