Tuesday 14 December 2010

Private William Alexander McKay

Born on 5 November 1896 in Kippen, Ontario - son of Eric McKay, Kippen, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Kippen, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 10 inches; chest of 33.75 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 161st Battalion, CEF, in Hemsall, Ontario, on 2 February 1916 (number 654396) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 29 December 1916 - died on 26 March 1917 of wounds received that day - buried in Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension (grave I.G.33), 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)

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