Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Pte. S. Barlow - 2499567





Samuel Barlow
courtesy of Andy McClure

According to his attestation papers dated December 7, 1917 at Toronto Samuel Barlow of Mimico Avenue, Mimico was born on March 18, 1899 in Mimico.  He listed his father Robert Barlow, Mimico Avenue as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had no previous military experience.   He was 18 years and 9 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 1/2 inches high.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion.  He had a birthmark on his left hip.  He was a Methodist.

Sam originally enlisted with the York and Simcoe Foresters at Toronto on December 7, 1917 but was later transferred to the 9th Draft Railway Construction Troops Military District No. 2.  He arrived in England on February 16, 1918 and was posted to the 11th Canadian Railway Troops in France in March 1918.  In December 1918 he was posted back to England as part of the 4th Reserve Battalion.  In January 1919 he proceeded to Kimmel Park in Wales and sailed back to Canada in February 1919.  He was discharged and demobilized on March 4, 1919 upon arrival in Canada.  

According to the 1911 census, Samuel Barlow son of Robert Barlow of Mimico was actually born on May 1900 and so he was actually 17 years old when he enlisted. 

His brothers Carl, William and Robert also enlisted.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is living with his father Robert on the north side of Mimico Avenue, Mimico.

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