Friday 25 September 2009

Private Alfred Henry Hemmings

Born on 22 July 1893 in Bristol, England - son of Charles Thomas and Elizabeth Hemmings, Bristol, England - brother of Lilly Hemmings, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer, single, no current or previous military service, Church of England, height of 5 feet 3 inches, chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, grey eyes, light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 15 March 1915 (number 410767) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - died on 23 April 1918 of wounds received that day - buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension (grave III.A.4), France.

Awarded a Mention-in-Despatches - no official citation - unit recommendation date unknown: "For valuable services rendered."

(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; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))

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