Monday 4 October 2010

Private William John May

Born on 2 February 1895 in London, England - son of William Edward and Clara Elizabeth May - brother of Oscar H. May, Minto, Manitoba - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Homefield, Manitoba; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 11 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 53rd Battalion, CEF, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on 10 February 1916 (number 523642) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in England on 5 July 1916 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion to the Canadian Army Medical Corps, CEF, on 13 August 1916 - attached to the 38th Battalion water detail on 14 August 1916 - killed in action on 3 January 1917 - buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery (grave IV.A.26), 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)

No comments: