Thursday 28 February 2013

Private Elmer James Winnihan

Born on 30 July 1892 in Sherks, Ontario - husband of Ella Beatrice Winnihan, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as gas well inspector; married; no current or previous military service; Baptist; height of 5 feet 10 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 8 June 1915 (number 144963) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Bermuda on 6 December 1915 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion in England on 6 July 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 10 May 1917 - killed in action on 30 June 1917 - buried in La Chaudière Military Cemetery (grave IV.A.4), France.

(I took this photo of Pte Winnihan's headstone in La Chaudière Military Cemetery 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)

No comments: