Private Alfred W. Bryan - 159655

According to his attestation papers, dated January 4, 1916 Alfred Walter Bryan of 540 Adelaide Street, Toronto was born on August 17, 1896 in Blackwater, Hampshire, England.  He listed his mother, Lucy Bryan, Plantation Road, Frimley Rd, Camberley, Surrey, England as his next of kin.  He was a teamster and indicated that he had was an active member of the G.G.B.G.  He was 29 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He had marks on his left arm and a scar over the lower end of the left radius. He was a member of the Church of England.

Alfred Walter Bryan was a member of the 19th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed on September 12, 1916.  According to the CEF burial register he was killed "while on sentry duty in the front line trenches".  "He was shot and instantly killed by a bullet from the rifle of an enemy sniper".  He is buried in the Sunken Road Cemetery, Contalmaison, Somme, France. 

His brother Lawrence also enlisted but survived the war.

He was the son of Mrs. Lucy Bryan, of 16 Plantation Row, Camberley, England.

Sapper Lawrence Sydney Bryan - 778601

According to his attestation papers, dated January 21, 1916 at Mimico, Lawrence Sydney Bryan of Swansea, Ontario was born on November 30, 1888 in Yorktown, Surrey, England.  He listed his mother Lucy Bryan, Yorktown, Surrey, England as his next of kin.  He was a labourer, unmarried and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 27 years of age and stood 5 feet 4 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark hair and a fair complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Alfred also enlisted but did not survive the war.

Private Arthur Butwell - 123525

According to his attestation papers dated September 22, 1915 at London, Ontario, Arthur Butwell was born December 12, 1891 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Ada Butwell, Humber Bay, as his next of kin.  He was an engineer and unmarried.  He had no previous military experience.  He was 24 years of age and stood 5 foot 2 3/4 inches high.  He had blue eyes and fair hair and complexion.  He had a mole on his right arm 3 inches above his elbow.  He was a Presbyterian.

Private William Chowns - 3107824

According to his draft papers, dated February 20, 1918 at Hamilton, William Chowns of Humber Bay was born on January 24, 1889 at Thame, Oxfordshire, England.  He listed his mother, Emma Chowns, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had no previous military experience.  He was 29 years and 10 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, dark hair and a medium complexion.  He had a nasal spur. 

According to the 1911 census the Chowns family was living on Davidson Crescent in Humber Bay.  The records indicate that William emigrated from England in 1906 while other members of the family arrived at different dates.

William Chowns was a member of the 19th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment), when he was killed on November 10, 1918 (one day before the November 11th armistice that led to an end of the war) .  According to the CEF burial register he was "instantly killed by a machine gun bullet through the head".  He is buried in the Mons (Bergen) Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

William Clarke

George Cook

William Henry Cook

Sergeant Alexander Cameron Craib - 405231

According to his attestation papers dated August 21, 1915 at Toronto, Alexander Cameron Craib was born on March 18, 1890 in Insch, Scotland.   He listed his mother, Margaret Craib, 173 Fern Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a piano tuner, unmarried and had no previous military experience.  He was 25 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, black hair and dark complexion.  He had an appendicitis operation scar.  He was a Presbyterian.

His brother William also enlisted.

In the 1914 Toronto city directory he is listed as a labourer living on the north side of the Lake Shore Road, Humber Bay. 

Private William Craib - 404309

According to his attestation papers dated April 12, 1915 at Toronto, William Craib was born on December 8, 1896 in Aberdeen, Scotland.  He listed his mother Martha Craib, 173 Fern Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a plumber, unmarried and had no previous military experience.  He was 19 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 inches in height.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was a Presbyterian. 

His brother Alexander also enlisted.

Private Harry Dawson - 113168

I think this is most likely Harry Eltherbert Dawson.  According to his attestation papers dated July 31, 1915, Harry Ethelbert Dawson was born in Toronto on July 12, 1894.  He listed his father, Harry Dawson, 231 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a saddler and was an active member of a militia.  He was 21 years of age and stood 6 feet tall.  He had brown eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

He is listed on the Honour Roll and cenotaph as being killed but I cannot find a record of his death.

Bombardier John Peer Dewsbury - 340159

According to his attestation papers dated January 12, 1917 at Toronto, John Peer Dewsbury of Frederica Street (present day High Street), Humber Bay was born on July 3, 1898 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Adeline Dewsbury, Frederica Street, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a labourer, unmarried and an active member of the 10th R.G. for 6 months.  He was 18 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a medium complexion.  He had scars on his left calf and on the arch of his left foot; a piece off the tip of his second finger of his left hand; and, a mole on the right of his abdomen.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a shipper living with his father Franklin Dewsbury on the east side of Frederica Street, Humber Bay.

Bombardier Harry Drew - 310786

According to his attestation papers dated January 24, 1916 at Toronto, Harry Drew of 26 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto was born on December 13, 1887 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Anna Drew 46 Beresford Street, Swansea, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a clerk, unmarried and had no previous military experience.  He was 28 years and 1 month of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a sallow complexion.  He was circumsized.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother John also enlisted.

Gunner John George Drew - 770055

According to his attestation papers dated January 10, 1916 at Toronto, John George Drew of 46 Beresford Avenue, Toronto was born on September 25, 1892 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Hannah Drew, 46 Beresford Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was an operator, unmarried and had no previous military experience.  He was 23 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes and fair hair and complexion.  He had a mole on his left shoulder and chest and a scar on his left wrist.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Harry also enlisted.

Sapper Patrick Durkin - 778621

According to his attestation papers dated January 31, 1916 at Mimico, Patrick Durkin of Humber Bay Ontario, was born on February 24, 1892 in Darwin, Lancashire, England.  He listed his sister, Miss Katherine Durkin, 10 Berry Street, Darwen, Lancashire, England as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He indicated that he had three months previous military experience with the 45th Battlion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.  He was 23 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and a dark complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.  

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a labourer living in the home of Patrick McDermott on the east side of Oliver Street, Humber Bay.

Sapper Ernest Egles - 681244

According to his attestation papers dated February 21, 1916 at Toronto, Ernest Egles, Lake Shore Road, Humber Bay, was born on July 14, 1888 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Mary Engles, Lake Shore Road, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was an auto mechanic and had no previous military experience.  He was 27 years and 8 months of age and stood 5 feet 10 1/4 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He has scars on both temples and moles on his left arm, neck and back.  He was a member of the Church of England.

According to the 1911 census his father William emigrated to Canada from England in 1877.

Thomas Elliott

Thomas Elliott is recorded as having been killed in the war but I cannot find a record for him.

Roy Ford

Private George Fordyce - 42674

According to his attestation papers dated September 24, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec, George Fordyce was born on December 28, 1895 in Humber Bay, Ontario.  He listed J. Fordyce, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was single and an electrician.  He had no previous military experience.  He was 19 years 8 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He had numerous moles on the left side of his chest and a mole between his shoulders.  He was a Baptist.

According to the 1911 census and his birth registration he was actually born in 1894 and so was one year older than indicated on his attestation papers.  The family was living on Oliver Street, Humber Bay.  George's father, mother and oldest brother James were all born in Scotland and emigrated to Canada in 1889.

Sergeant James Forsyth - 452958

According to this attestation papers dated July 2, 1915 at Niagara Camp, James Forsyth was born on November 10, 1891 in Toronto.  He listed his wife Mrs. H. Forsyth, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a printer and an active member of the Royal Grenadiers, Toronto where he had 7 years of previous military experience.  He was 24 years old and stood 5 feet 7 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a small scar over his left eye and a vaccination mark on his left arm.  He was a Baptist.

In the 1914 Toronto city directory he is listed a printer living with his father James Forsyth, market gardener on the north side of the Lake Shore Road, Humber Bay. 

Arthur F. Franklin - 163573

According to his attestation papers dated August 7, 1915, Arthur Franklin was born on November 2, 1873 in Hanlington?, Middlesex, England.  He listed his wife, Annie Franklin, MacDonald Street, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a teamster and was an active member of a militia.  He was 42 years and 9 months of age and stood 5 feet 2 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He had a mole on the left side of his back and a vaccination mark on his left arm.  He was a member of the Church of England.  

In the 1911 census he indicated that he emigrated to Canada in 1904 and was actually born in 1870 making him 3 years older than reported on his attestation papers.  

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is living on west side of MacDonald Avenue, Humber Bay.

Private Albert Edward Greenfield - 435343

According to his attestation papers, dated June 5, 1915 at Calgary, Albert Edward Greenfield was born in London, England on January 17, 1883.  He listed wife Emily Greenfield, 160 Crystal Palace Road, London, England as his next of kin. He was a bricklayer and a member of an active militia.  He was 32 years and 5 months of age and stood 6 feet 1 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.  He had a scar on the inner side of his right knee.

Albert Edward Greenfield was a member of the 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment), when he was killed on May 30, 1916 in the Hill 60 Trenches, Ypres.  He is buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground near Ypres, Belgium. 

He is listed as the husband of Emily Greenfield of 39 Commerce Place, Dulwich Village, London.   

Bombardier Samuel F. Greenfield - 83656

According to his attestation papers dated November 30, 1914 at Toronto, Samuel Greenfield was born on April 13, 1887 in Toronto.  He listed his father Mr. T. Greenfield, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a teamster and a member of the Queens Own, Toronto for 3 years.  He was 27 years old and stood 5 feet 8 inches high.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a good complexion.  He had a tattoo on his right forearm and an appendix scar.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Thomas also enlisted but did not survive the war.  There is also an Albert Greenfield on the Honour Roll but I am not sure of the relationship between him and Thomas and Samuel.

In the 1911 census he listed his birth year as 1888 but he was actually born in 1887 as listed.  This is confirmed by his birth registration. 

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as living on the east side of Oliver Street, Humber Bay.

Private Thomas Edgar Greenfield - 412742

According to his attestation papers dated February 24, 1915 at Lindsay, Ontario, Thomas Edgar Greenfield was born on October 31, 1894 at Humber Bay.  He listed his father Thomas Greenfield, Humber Bay, as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had no previous military experience.  He was 23 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches in height.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a scar on his right shin.  He was a member of the Church of England. 

Thomas Edgar Greenfield was a member of the 14th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment), when was killed on June 3, 1916 during an attack on Zillebeke.  His remains were never found and he is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial in the Town of Ypres, Belgium. 

Thomas' brother Samuel also enlisted but survived the war.  I am not sure of the relationship between Thomas and Albert Greenfield.

Corporal Samuel Handley - 163358

According to his attestation papers dated July 29, 1915 at Toronto, Samuel Handley was born on October 7, 1887 in Sandhurst, Berkshire, England.  He listed his wife Alice Handley, Humber Bay (later crossed out and 334 Wellesley Street, Toronto written in) as his next of kin.  He was a gardener; a member of an active militia with two years previous military experience with the Volunteers 4th Berkshire in England.  He was 28 years and 9 months of age and stood 5 feet 4 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark hair and complexion.  He had a mole on his right side and three vaccination marks on his left arm.  He was a member of the Church of England.

According to the 1911 census Samuel emigrated to Canada from England in 1905.  

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a market gardener living on the north side of Queen Street, Humber Bay.

Private Bethel Haslam - 405285

According to his attestation papers dated August 19, 1915 at Toronto, Bethel Haslam was born on April 4, 1890 in Bolton, Lancashire, England.  He listed his wife, Elizabeth Haslam, 3 Queen Street, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had 5 years previous military experience with the 5th Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire.  He was 25 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches in height.  He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.


In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a labourer living on the west side of Oliver Street, Humber Bay. 

Private Septimus Hicks - 136474

Septimus Hicks with small photo of his sister Hannah Octavia Hicks 

courtesy of John Hicks

According to his attestation papers dated November 9, 1915 at Toronto, Septimus Herbert Hicks of Humber Bay, was born on November 25, 1884 at Humber Bay.  He listed his father, Octavius Laing Hicks, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a seaman and had no previous military experience.  He was 30 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a scar on his left abdomen from a ruptured appendix.  He was a member of the Church of England.

Septimus Hicks was a member of the 42nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment), when he was killed on August 6, 1916.  According to the CEF burial register he "died of wounds (shrapnel wounds legs and gas gangrene) at No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Boulogne".  He is buried in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

He was the son of Octavius L. and Hannah Hicks, of Humber Bay, Ontario.  Octavius Hicks was a contractor, boat builder and proprietor of the Royal Oak Hotel.

The following is the biographical entry for Octavius Hicks found in Volume 2 of a History of Toronto and County of York Ontario by Charles Pelham Mulvany, published in 1885:

OCTAVIUS L. HICKS, hotel proprietor, Mimico, was born near Dundee, Scotland, in 1852, and came to America in 1871; after spending one year in the United States, he came to Canada and located for a short time in Hamilton, eventually taking up his residence in Toronto, where he carried on business as contractor and builder for about two years. In 1873 he removed to the mouth of the Humber and commenced the business he had formerly followed in England (boat building), which he still continues in conjunction with his hotel business. His house, “The Royal Oak” has excellent accommodation for excursionists, pleasure and pic-nic parties, and contains a large room suitable for balls, banquets, etc. He has a large variety of pleasure boats and yachts to order. He is the inventor and patentee of the roller sliding-seats for racing boats, similar to those used by Mr. Hanlan. Mr. Hicks has been instrumental in saving the lives of five persons on four different occasions, having rescued two persons at one time. He also formed one of the company who started the Annie Craig steamboat running daily in the season between the Humber and the city. He was married in 1874 to Hannah Taverner, by whom he has five children, all boys.

Hicks Family Tombstone - Christ Church Cemetery - Mimico

© Michael Harrison 2011

Septimus Herbert Hicks-  headstone in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery - France

courtesy of John Hicks

Private Shadrack Jesson - 136284 & 775689

Shadrack Jesson has two sets of attestation papers. 

According to the first set dated September 3, 1915 at Toronto, Shadrack Jesson was born on September 8, 1882 in Birmingham, England.  He listed his wife Maggie Jesson, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a carpenter and book maker.  He had 3 years of previous military experience with the 1st Battalion Royal Worcestershire Regiment.  He was 32 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 4 1/2 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a tattoo of a "Lady's head and mans legs" on his right arm.  He was a member of the Church of England.  

His second set of papers are dated November 16, 1915 at Toronto.  Differences include his birth in Staffordshire, England; his previous military experience with the 29th Worcestershire Regiment; and the fact that his eyes are now considered blue and that he has no distinctive marks.

In the 1911 census he and his family are listed as living on Queen Street, Humber Bay.  The family were from England and emigrated to Canada in 1906.  He is listed as a brick maker.

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a shoemaker living on the south side of Queen Street, Humber Bay.

Private John Joyce - 192249

I think that this is the following John Joyce who was with the Canadian Medical Corps.


According to his attestation papers dated July 22, 1915 at Toronto, John Joyce was born on January 14, 1881 at Toronto.  He listed his wife Louisa Joyce, 64 Austin Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a butcher and had no previous military experience.  He was 34 years of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches in height.  He had brown eyes and hair and a dark complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.


He was a member of the "B" Division Wing, Canadian Medical Corps when he died on October 30, 1918 at No. 7 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples of pneumonia.  He is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France.

Private Henry Kedney - 273554

According to his attestation papers dated May 16, 1916 at Toronto, Henry Kedney of Oxford Street, Mimico, Ontario was born on May 26, 1880 in Lancashire, England.  He listed his wife Mary Ann Kedney, Oxford Street, Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a nut maker and had 4 years previous military experience with the East Lancashire Regiment Corp.  He was 35 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 2 1/4 inches tall.  He had blue eyes and fair hair and complexion.  He had a scar on his left knee.  He was a member of the Church of England.

Gunner Leo C. Kent - 348706

According to his attestation papers dated January 15, 1916 at Kingston, Leo C. Kent of Mimico, Ontario was born on October 4, 1888 in Toronto.  He listed his father William Kent, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was single, worked for the railway and had no previous military experience.  He as 27 years and 3 months of age and stood 5 feet 10 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion.   He was a member of the Church of England.  

His family appears in the 1911 census living on Salisbury Avenue (present day Park Lawn Road) but he does not appear to be present nor can I find him in the 1911 census elsewhere.  His birth registration indicates that his name is Clarence Leo Kent.

Albert Atcheson Kerr - 171140

According to his attestation papers dated August 3, 1915 at Toronto, Albert Atcheson Kerr was born on December 21, 1892 in Hamilton, Ontario.  He listed his mother Lilian Blake, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a chauffeur.  He had no previous military experience.  He was 23 years of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches in height.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.   

William Kruse

Private Michael James Langridge - 799812

According to his attestation papers dated January 31, 1916 at Toronto, Michael James Landridge of Humber Bay, Ontario was born on July 16, 1878 in Belfast, Ireland.  He listed his wife Jeannie (?) Ileen (?) Langridge, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a butcher and had no previous military experience.  He was 37 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 4 inches tall.  He had hazel eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had two scars on his forehead and a scar on his left calf.  He was a member of the Salvation Army.  

According to the 1914 Toronto city directory he was listed as a labourer living on the west side of Macdonald Avenue, Humber Bay. 

Private James Henry MacQuarrie - 778550

According to his attestation papers dated January 27, 1916 at Mimico, James Henry MacQuarrie, Humber Bay, Ontario was born on May 20, 1897 in Maple, Ontario.  He listed his mother Mrs. Sarah MacQuarrie, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a machine hand.  He was an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 18 years and 8 months of age and stood 6 feet 2 inches high.  He had grey eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was a Baptist.  

According to the 1911 census he was the son of Donald and Sarah MacQuarrie living on Queen Street, Humber Bay.  Donald was a brick maker.

In the 1921 Toronto city directory James is listed as a fireman living with Harvey MacQuarrie on the south side of Queen Street, Humber Bay.

J. McLean

Private Charles H. Payne - 136578

According to his attestation papers dated November 16, 1915 at Toronto, Charles Herbert Payne of 112 Gerrard Street East, Toronto was born on May 22, 1886 in Kimbolton, Huntingdon, England. He listed his father, Walter Payne, Nether Dean, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, England as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had no previous military experience.  He was 29 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 11 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion. He had a scar on his left elbow and nose; on the third finger of his left hand; and, his left knee.  He was a member of the Church of England.   

Charles Herbert Payne was a member of the 83rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment), when he was killed on October 21, 1916.  According to the CEF burial register he was killed in an attack north of Courcelette.  He was the son of Walter and Mary Ann Payne, of Nether Dean, Kimbolton, Hunts, England.  His remains were never found and he is listed on the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France.

Newspaper articles courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Fred Payne

Driver Bert John Pilcher - 157142

According to his attestation papers dated November 29, 1915 at Toronto, Bert John Pilcher of 3 Queen Street, Humber Bay, Ontario was born in Faversham, Kent, England on August 23, 1881.  He listed his wife, Florence Alice Pilcher, 3 Queen Street, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a clerk and had no previous military experience.  He was 34 years and 3 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 1/2 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a scar on his right buttock.  He was a member of the Salvation Army.

Private John Pirouet - 452069

According to his attestation papers dated July 26, 1915 at Toronto, John Pirouet was born on Jersey, Channel Islands on March 8, 1890.  He listed his mother, Mary Ann Pirouet, Highland Farms, St. Peter's, Jersey, Channel Islands, as his next of kin.  He was a gardener and had 4 years previous military experience.  He was 25 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, dark hair and a medium complexion.  He had a tattoo on his right arm of crossed flags with clasped hands worded "Friendship", and a tattoo on his left arm of crossed flags denoting hands across the sea.  He was a Methodist.

John Pirouet was a member of the 58th Battalion,Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment), when he was killed on June 13, 1916 at Ypres during an attack at Sanctuary Wood.  His remains were never found and his name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial which is located at the eastern side of the town of Ypres, Belgium.  

Private Cedric Reeves - 10069

According to his attestation papers dated September 22, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec, Cedric Reeves was born on January 2, 1896 in Toronto.  He listed his mother, Catherine Reeves, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a gardener.  He was an active member of the 10th Royal Grenadiers for 6 months.  He was 18 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and a fair complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brothers Frank and Thomas also enlisted.  However Thomas would not survive the war. 

Private Frank Reeves - 324907

According to his attestation papers dated March 20, 1916 at Guelph, Frank Owen Reeves of Humber Bay, Ontario was born on June 7, 1892 in Etobicoke Township, York County.  He listed his father, Frank Francis Reeves of Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a farmer and had no previous military experience.   He was 23 years and 9 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, light hair and a fair complexion.  He had a mole on his chin.  

His brothers Cedric and Thomas also enlisted.  Thomas however did not survive the war.

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a market gardener on the north side of College Street (present day Berry Road).

Sapper Thomas Arthur Reeves - 136500

According to his attestation papers dated November 13, 1915 at Toronto, Thomas Arthur Reeves of Humber Bay, Ontario was born on September 4, 1897 at Humber Bay.  He listed his mother, Katherine Reeves, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a gardener and had 3 months military experience as a Private with the Grenadiers Home Service.  He was 18 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion.  He had a small mole on the back of his neck.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brothers Frank and Cedric also enlisted.

Thomas Reeves was a member of the 5th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops when he was killed in action working in the vicinity of Fampoux on May 17, 1917 at the age of 18 years.  He was the son of of Frank F. and Kate H. Reeves, of Humber Bay, Ontario, and is buried  in the Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery in Arras, France. 

 courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Private Walter George Riches - 285136

According to his attestation papers dated April 14, 1916 at Toronto, Walter George Riches was born on January 3, 1899 in Humber Bay, Ontario.  He listed his mother Mrs. Lottie Riches, 27 Fuller Avenue, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was single and a painters apprentice.  He was an active member of the 12th York Rangers.  He was 17 years and 3 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.  

According to the 1911 census the family was living on Salisbury Avenue (present day Park Lawn Road).  Jessie Riches, his father emigrated to Canada from England in 1889.

According to the 1914 Toronto city directory, Jessie Riches was a brick maker living on the east side of Salisbury Avenue.

Private Fred Rockliffe - 778711

According to his attestation papers dated February 10, 1916 at Mimico, Fred Rockliffe was born on February 19, 1895 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.  He listed his mother, Mrs. Mary Alice Rockliffe, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was single and a labourer.  He was an active member of the 12th Regiment York Rangers.  He was 20 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and a fresh complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England. 

Private J. W. Rostron - 404424 & 404924

According to his attestation papers dated April 12, 1915 at Toronto, John William Rostron was born on October 21, 1881 in Blackborn ?, England.  He listed his wife, Annie Rostron, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and a member of an active militia.  He was 34 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet f 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.  He was a Presbyterian.  

According to the 1914 Toronto city directory he was a labourer living on the north side of the Lake Shore Road.

Private Charles Rush - 9400

According to his attestation papers dated September 23, 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec, Charles William Rush was born in London England on January 27 1896.  He listed his father George Rush, Burgess Avenue (present day Waniska Avenue), Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was single and a gardener.  He was a member of an active militia and had 8 months experience with the 10th Royal Grenadiers, Toronto.  He was 18 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, sandy hair and a fair complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother George enlisted on the same day.

In the 1911 census he is living with is family on Salisbury Avenue (present day Park Lawn Road).  The records indicate that his father George emigrated from England in 1891.  His mother Florence and the children followed in 1903. Charles' birth year is recorded as being 1897 and so he was actually on 17 years old at the time of his enlistment.

In the 1921 Toronto city directory he is listed as a steel worker living at 4 Davidson Crescent, Humber Bay.

Private George Rush - 9823

According to his attestation papers dated September 22, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec, George Rush was born in London, England on February 5, 1895.  He listed his father, George Rush, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a market gardener.  He was a member of a active militia with 6 months experience with the 10th Royal.  He was 19 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Charles also enlisted.

In the 1911 census he is living with is family on Salisbury Avenue (present day Park Lawn Road).  The records indicate that his father George emigrated from England in 1891.  His mother Florence and the children followed in 1903. 

Private Arthur Taverner - 171220

According to his attestation papers dated August 3, 1915 at Toronto, Arthur Taverner was born on March 22, 1896 at Humber Bay, Ontario.  He listed his mother, Mrs. Carrie Taverner, Humber Bay, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a labourer.  He had no previous military experience.  He was 19 years of age and stood 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Joseph (John) also enlisted.

He appears in the 1911 census living with his father Edward living on Amelia Street, Humber Bay.  According to the census he was working at the Bolt Works.

Lance Corporal Joseph (John) Taverner - 418984

According to his attestation papers dated May 22, 1915 at Montreal, Joseph Taverner was born in Hamilton, Ontario on June 26, 1889.  He listed his mother-in-law, Mrs. Emily Norris, 1596 Queen Street West, Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a widower with 2 children.  He was a machinist and indicated that he had no previous military experience.  He was 25 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 10 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a Baptist.

His brother Arthur also enlisted.

He is listed as John Taverner living on the Lake Shore Road in the 1911 census with wife Gertrude and son William working as a machinist at the bolt works.

Joseph was killed on March 27, 1916 and is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Tombstone of Joseph Taverner - Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium

courtesy John Hicks

Charles Todd

George Weller

In the 1914 Toronto City directory I see George Weller, labourer living on the west side of Salisbury Avenue (present day Park Lawn Road) but cannot find his attestation papers.  

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as a farmer living on the south side of Cannon Avenue.

Fred White

W. M. White

Private Arnold Winger - 44241

According to his attestation papers dated April 5, 1915 at Toronto, Arnold Winger was born on October 25, 1896 in Jarvis, Ontario.  He listed his mother, Edith Winger, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a gardener and was a member of an active militia.  He was 18 years of age and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.  He had a tattoo of a flag and two hands on his left forearm.  He had eight scars on the small of his back.  He was a Baptist.

He was a member of the 3rd Battalion Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed on September 23, 1915.  He is buried in the Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery in Belgium. He is listed as the son of Edward and Edith Jane Winger, of 28 Oliver St., Humber Bay, Ontario.

According to the 1911 census, Arnold worked at a brickyard.  His father worked as a fireman at the bolt works.   

Gunner Ernest Worsfold - 405140

According to his attestation papers dated June 9, 1915 at Niagara, Ernest George Worsfold was born on December 17, 1886 in Shalford, Surrey, England.  He listed his mother Sophia Worsfold, Eastwood Road, Bromley, Surrey, England as his next of kin.  He was a clerk and indicated that he was a member of an active militia.  He was 28 years of age and stood 5 feet 4 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark hair and dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

In the 1914 Toronto City Directory he is listed as a bookmaker, boarding with Mrs. S. Eliz. Brown, widow of Chas. E,  on the corner of Queen and Salisbury (present day Queensway and Park Lawn Road).

Private James Patrick Yates - 404247

According to his attestation papers dated April 12, 1915 at Toronto, James Patrick Yates was born on November 20, 1895 in Darwin, Lancashire, England.  He listed his mother, Mrs. E. Yates, Humber Bay as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and an active member of the Royal Garrison Artillery for a period of one year.   He was 17 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a scar on his brow.  He was Roman Catholic.

According to the 1911 census, he was the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth Yates and they lived on Davidson Crescent in Humber Bay.  His father worked at the sewer pipe company.  His father Lawrence emigrated to Canada in 1909 and the rest of the family emigrated in 1910. 

According to the 1914 Toronto City directory the family lived at 9 Davidson Crescent.  James was working as a bolt maker, most likely at the Swansea Works (originally the Ontario Bolt Works) at the then foot of Windemere Avenue (just north or the Gardiner Expressway as all the land to the south is fill).