Edwards, Arthur Robert: Service no. 144651

Source: Duty Nobly Bound appendix 3 lists his classification as accidental death. He died after the war ended on June 4, 1920.

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Enlisted under aged.

This soldier enlisted with the 81st Battalion on July 1, 1916, at Smith Falls, Ontario. He was a baker and showed his birth date as March 1, 1897. This was a lie. He was actually born on June 3, 1899, and enlisted underage.

Embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia for England on May 1, 1916, aboard the SS Olympic. Disembarked Liverpool on May 6, 1916. He was then transferred to the Canadian Army Service Corp on May 27, 1916, then transferred to the 4th Field Bakery at Shornecliffe on June 29, 1916.

He was transferred to the 124th Battalion in October 4, 1916, and then transferred to the 18th Battalion for overseas servie on the 10th.

He arrived at the Canadian Base Depot the next day and then was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion on November 6, 1916. On the 13th he was attached to No. 5 Field Company, Canadian Engineers and was detached from this unti on the 26th.

He was then suspected of being underage and was sent to the Canadian Base Depot, pending an investigation. He was classed “A” for fitness and returned to Shornecliffe on March 14, 1917.

He was SOS the 18th Battalion due to underage and assigned to the 4th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott.

He then was TOS with the Boys Battalion C.J.S at Bexhill. He served with this unit and was charged with “Failing to appear at the place of the parade.” He received 28-day’s detention and forfeited 35-day’s pay.

On July 10, 1918, he was assigned to the 4th Reserve Battalion. On November 17, 1918 he arrived and the Canadian Infantry Base Depot on his way to join the 18th Battalion.

He became ill and was admitted to hospital on November 25, 1918, and staied in treatment until declared fit and discharged on December 22, 1918. He was then transferred to England on January 6, 1919.

Discharged April 11, 1919, at Toronto, Ontario.

For some reason, this man was in London, Ontario and the death certificate indicates a suicide.