Thursday 20 September 2012

Private Harry Beedell

Born on 2 October 1879 in Exeter, Devonshire, England - son of William and Mary Beedell, Hull, Quebec - attestation form notes trade as farmer, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 3 inches, chest of 34 inches, swarthy complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 38th Battalion in Ottawa, Ontario, on 24 February 1915 (number 410020 and 410198) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - buried in Regina Trench Cemetery, France.

(Updated with an image of Pte Beedell's headstone in Regina Trench Cemetery 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)

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