Thursday 20 September 2012

Private Nelson John Lachance

Born on 16 October 1892 in Ottawa, Ontario - husband of Irene Lachance, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as plumber; married; currently a member of the Governor General's Foot Guards (three years); no previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; healthy complexion; hazel eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 26 January 1915 (number 410125) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - buried in Regina Trench Cemetery (grave I.C.18), France.

(Updated with an image of Private Lachance'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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