Wednesday 31 October 2012

Private William Alexander Underwood

Born on 18 July 1897 in Howick, Ontario – son of William Underwood, Gorrie, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Gorrie, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 34.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; fair hair.

Joined the 161st Battalion, CEF, in Wroxeter, Ontario, on 24 March 1916 (number 654683) – taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 29 December 1916 – wounded on 9 April 1917 – rejoined the 38th Battalion on 8 May 1917 – killed in action on 2 September 1918 – buried in Dury Mill British Cemetery (grave I.D.29), 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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