Friday 26 April 2013

Private Harold Fergus Travers

Born on 21 September 1895 in Toronto, Ontario – brother of Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Hubert Richard Travers – son of Fergus J. and Minnie Swan Travers, Ottawa, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as clerk; single; currently a member of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles (one year); no previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 4.5 inches; chest of 33 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; hazel eyes; black hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 22 February 1915 (number 410207) – 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 – name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Travers' inscription on the Vimy Memorial 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)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Any family members of Harold should contact me as I have his WW1 Memorial Plaque. I grew up 1960-70s)in the same house that Harold's family lived in (1915), 504 Metcalfe st Ottawa on. hamishgordon58@hotmail.com

Ken said...

Hi Hamish,

If you're willing to share an image of Pte Travers's memorial plaque, I'd be willing to include it in his post on my blog and give you credit.

Thanks,

Ken