Saturday 23 May 2009

Private William Duke

Born on 25 July 1896 in London, England - son of J.W. Duke, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as steamfitter's helper, single, no current or previous military service, Roman Catholic, height of 5 feet 4 inches, chest of 34 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, dark eyes, black hair.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 24 July 1915 (number 144450) - departed Canada for overseas on 19 June 1916 - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in England on 6 July 1916 - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - suffered shell shock on 17 October 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 24 October 1916 - invalided sick to England on 28 January 1919 - returned to Canada on 14 May 1919.

(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; Anonymous, An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926, p.96)

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