Monday 7 May 2012

Acting-Corporal Eric Strachan Havelock Smith

Born in January 1896 in Puncher Creek, Alberta - under guardianship of George Heaton, Puncher Creek, Alberta - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as rancher[?]; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 9.5 inches; chest of 37.75 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Buckingham, Quebec, on 6 November 1915 (number 145407) - 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 - wounded on 20 September 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 21 September 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - died of those wounds on 20 November 1916 - buried in Contay British Cemetery (grave VII.A.4), France.

Awarded a Mention in Despatches - no official citation - unit recommendation date unknown (announced 4 January 1917): "For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty."

(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; 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); Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org; Anonymous, An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926), p.144)

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