Pte. Sam Barclay - 778849

According to his attestation papers dated February 23, 1916 at New Toronto, Samuel Priest Barclay, 6th Street, New Toronto, was born on June 7, 1880 in Midlothian, Scotland.  He listed his wife Elizabeth Barclay, 6th Street, New Toronto has his next of kin.  He was a labourer and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 35 years and 8 months of age and was 5 feet 4 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was Presbyterian.

Private C. Barlow - 135098

Carl Barlow (left) and his brother Robert Barlow (right) circa 1916

courtesy of Andy McClure

According to his attestation papers dated July 29, 1915 at Toronto, Carl Barlow was born on February 4, 1897 in Humber Bay, Ontario.  He listed his father Robert Barlow, Mimico Avenue, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a tinsmith and had no previous military experience.  He was 18 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 5 inches in height.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was a Methodist.  According to the 1911 census he was actually born in Feb 1898 and so was only 17 years old at the time of his enlistment.

Carl was originally part of the 74th Canadian Overseas Battalion.  He embarked on the Empress of Britain from Halifax on March 29, 1916 and arrived in Liverpool, England on April 9, 1916.  In June 1916 he was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifle Battalion in France.  He was killed on October 10, 1916 in the Courcelette sector at the Battle of the Somme.  His remains were never found as he is listed on the Vimy Memorial in France.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website he was 18 years old and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barlow of 104 Mimico Avenue, Mimico, Ontario.

His brothers Samuel, William and Robert also enlisted but survived the war.

Images courtesy of Andy McClure

R. Barlow C-4382

Robert Barlow (right) with his brother Carl Barlow (left) circa 1916

courtesy of Andy McClure

Robert Barlow joined the British forces circa 1915 when he enlisted in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.  As he enlisted directly in the British forces he has no Canadian attestation papers.

His brothers Carl, William and Samuel also enlisted.

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.

Pte. W. Barlow - 472900

William Barlow

courtesy of Andy McClure

According to his attestation papers dated December 31, 1915 at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, William Barlow of Borden, Sask., was born on January 14, 1893 in Toronto.  He listed his father, Robert Barlow, Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a farmer and had no previous military experience.  He was 22 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was a Methodist.

Bill was originally part of the 65th Overseas Battlion.  At the time of his enlistment he was living as a farmer in Borden Sask.  He arrived in England on June 29, 1916.  On June 30, 1916 he was transferred to the 46th Overseas Battalion Medical Section.  He proceeded to France on August 10, 1916 as part of the Canadian Army Medical Corps.  In January 1917 he was sick with "Trench Fever" and related lung and heart conditions.  He was released from hospital in February 1917 and transferred to the 22nd Field Hospital.  In July 1917 he suffered from "Trench Fever" for a second time.  By September 1917 he condition worsened and he was sent to the Canadian Military Hospital in Bramshott, England.  In October 1917 he was released from hospital and sent to work in the Canadian Army Medical Corps Depot in Bramshott.  However he never fully recovered from his illnesses and was sent back to Canada on January 31, 1918.  He was discharged on March 11, 1918 in Toronto, physically unfit for service thought it was noted on his records that his conduct and character while in service was "very good".

According to the 1911 census William Barlow, son of Robert of Mimico was actually born in January 1890 so he would have been almost 26 years of age.

His brothers Carl, Samuel, and Robert also enlisted. 

Cpl. A. T. Barton - 778323

According to his attestation papers dated January 10, 1916 at Mimico, Arthur Thomas Barton of Mimico, Ontario was born on October 20, 1895 in Mimico.  He listed his father Thomas Barton, Mimico, as his next of kin.  He was a farmer and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 20 years and 3 months of age and stood 5 fee 11 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He had a "compound fracture of a rib below right hip" ?  He was a member of the Church of England.

C. Batstone

There do not appear to be any attestation papers with this initial for Canada.

Harold Batstone - 541021

According to his attestation papers dated February 4, 1916 at Toronto, William Howard Batstone was born on February 27, 1895 in Hyderabad, India.  He listed is mother Alice Batstone as his next of kin.  He indicated that he had previously served in the military in the 15th Battalion for three months.  He was 20 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 4 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, black hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a scar on his forehead and a mole on his right wrist.  He was a Methodist.  His military file is here.  His father William Batstone was the minister of the Mimico Baptist Church.  This probably explains why he used his middle name of Howard instead of William.  The family seem to have arrived in Mimico after 1911 and departed by 1921.

Cpl. L. Beaton - 778519

According to his attestation papers dated January 24, 1916 at Mimico Lachlan Beaton of Mimico was born on March 27, 1882 in Renfrew, Scotland.  He listed his wife Mrs. Bertha Beaton, Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a stationary engineer and had no previous military experience.  He was 33 years and 10 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark hair and complexion.  The little toe on his right foot was deflected.  He was a Presbyterian.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as living on the south side of Vanevery Street, Mimico.

Cpl. G. Beatty - 157536

According to his attestation papers dated September 20, 1915 at Toronto, George Alfred Beatty was born on May 22, 1897 in Allandale, Ontario.  He listed his father Benjamin Beatty, Church Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a plumber and had no previous military experience.  He was 18 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 1/4 inches tall.  He had light blue eyes, dark brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a one inch scar on his thigh.  He was a member of the Church of England.

In the 1914 Toronto City directory Benjamin Beatty is listed as a yardman living on the north side of Mimico Avenue, Mimico.

Lt. F. P. Behan

According to his attestation papers dated September 22, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec, P. Felton Behan was born on December 30, 1876 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Mrs. J. B. Behan, Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a farmer and had no previous military experience.  He was 28 years and 8 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.  He had a scar on his right side, a mole on his left shoulder, and a scar on his left forearm.  He was a member of the Church of England. 

In both the 1914 and 1921 Toronto City directories there is a Julia Behan (widow George H.) living on the west side of Buckingham Street, Mimico.

Pte. F. Bickmore - 136452

According to his attestation papers dated November 8, 1915 at Toronto, Frederick George Bickmore of Warden Street, Mimico was born on June 17, 1895 in Toronto.  He listed his mother Eliza Bickmore, Warden Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and had no previous military experience.  He was 20 years and 4 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He had a scar from a hernia operation, and scars on below his left knee, on his right elbow and over his right eye.  He was a member of the Church of England. 

According to the 1921 Toronto City directory he was a machinist living on the north side of Warden Street, Mimico.

Pte. D. Birrell - 405530

According to his attestation papers dated April 5, 1915 at Toronto, David Wishart Birrell was born on September 16, 1891 in Friecham, Scotland.  He listed his mother Mrs. Birrell, Nivingston, Cleish, Kinross, Scotland as his next of kin.  He was a carpenter and had no previous military experience.  He was 23 years and 6 months of age and stood 5 feet 4 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a mole on his left shoulder.  He was a Presbyterian. 

He was a Private in the 4th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed in action on October 20, 1918 near Marchiennes.  He was buried in Hasnon Churchyard in France.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website indicates that he was the son of David and Christina Birrell, of Carsegour, Kinross, Scotland.

His brother William also enlisted and was killed.

Pte. W. Birrell - 405529

According to his attestation papers dated May 12, 1915 at Toronto, William Renton Birrell was born on October 28, 1889 in Frechein (?), Forfarshire, Scotland.  He listed his father Mr. David Birrell, Kevingstone (?), Kenoshire (?) Scotland as his next of kin.  He was a florist and had no previous military experience.  He was 25 years of age and stood 5 feet 7 inches tall. 

He was a Private in the 4th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he died of wounds in Charing Cross War Hospital, Agar Street, London on October 2, 1916.  He is buried in the Leuchars Cemetery, UK.

His brother David also enlisted and was killed.

Pte. E. D. Blair - 778599

According to his attestation papers dated Janauary 31, 1916 at Mimico, Edward Doig Blair of Burlington Street, Mimico was born on December 10, 1881 in Carnoustie, Scotland.  He listed his wife Mrs. Alexandrina Blair, Burlington Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a plasterer and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 34 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches high.  He had brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.  He was a Presbyterian.

He enlisted the same day as his brother James.

In the 1914 Toronto City directory he is listed as a plasterer living on the north side of Victoria Street, Mimico. 

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he has the same occupation living on the east side of Burlington Street, Mimico.

Pte. J. H. Blair - 778598

According to his attestation papers January 31, 1916 at Mimico, James Hardie Blair of 49 Victoria Street, Mimico was born on June 17, 1885 at Carnoustie, Scotland.  He listed his wife, Mrs. Joan Blair, 29 Victoria Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a lineman and was an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 30 years and 7 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was a Presbyterian.

He enlisted the same day as his brother Edward. 

In the 1914 Toronto City directory he is listed as a machinist living on the north side of Victoria Street, Mimico.

Private C. H. Blake - 285443

According to his attestation papers dated June 15, 1916 at Toronto, Charles Herbert Blake of Melrose Street, Mimico was born on April 27, 1897 on the Isle of Wight, England.  He listed his mother, Mrs. Paulina Blake, Melrose Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a plumber and had 2 months previous military experience with 126th O.S. Battalion and 2 months with the 84th Battalion.  He was also an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 19 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches in height.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a scar on his right knee.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Leonard also enlisted.

He was a Private in "A" Company, 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed on September 2, 1918.  According to the CEF death register "this soldier was killed during the attack and capture of the ridge and sunken road at the storming of Drocourt-Queant Switch Line, between the town of Dury and the Arras Cambrai Road".  He was buried at Dury Mill British Cemetery in France.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website he was the son of Herbert and Pauline Blake, of 33 Norval Avenue, West Toronto. Born at Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight, England.

Article courtesy of the Virtual Canadian War Memorial

Ss. L. Blake - 163543

According to his attestation papers dated August 5, 1915 at Toronto, Leonard Alfred Blake was born on January 11, 1896 at Newfort GBW (?), England.  He listed his father Herbert Blake, Melrose Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a journalist and had no previous military experience.  He was 19 years and 7 months of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the church of England.

His brother Charles also enlisted but was killed.  According to Charles obituary Leonard was with the Records Department in London.

T. Boulton

Lcp. F. Bozzard - 769977

According to his attestation papers dated January 10, 1916 at Toronto, Frederick Bozzard of Heman Street, Mimico was born on May 22, 1897 in Birminghan, England.  He listed his mother Alice Bozzard, Heman Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a steamfitter and had no previous military experience.   He was 18 years and 8 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had light brown eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion.  He had a mole on his left abdomen and left armpit and scars on his lower lip and left eye.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory his father William Bozzard is listed as a shipper living on the north side of Murrie Avenue, Mimico.

Sgt. G. A. Brandow - 769105

According to his attestation papers dated December 24, 1915 at Toronto, George Alexander Brandow of 3rd Street, New Toronto was born on October 12, 1894 at St. Williams, Ontario.  He listed his sister Mrs. Mabel Dyer, 6th Street, New Toronto as his next of kin.  He was a plumber and had no previous military experience.  He was 21 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 8 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a mole on his left wrist and a scar on the back of his left hand.  He was a Presbyterian.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as a clerk boarding at the home of A. W. Boulter on the north side of Mimico Avenue, Mimico.

Spr. J. E. Breakspear - 778492

According to his attestation papers dated January 22, 1916 at Mimico, Jesse Edward Breakspear of Mimico, Ontario was born on November 6, 1888 in Oxford, England.  He listed his father, William Breakspear, Northleigh, Oxford, England as his next of kin.  He was a bricklayer and was an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers. He was 27 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had blue eyes and dark hair and complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.  

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as a bricklayer living on the north side of Symons Street, Mimico.

Pte. J. Brennan - 778422

According to his attestation papers dated January 17, 1916 at Mimico, Joseph Brennan of Mimico, Ontario was born on March 1, 1885 in Lancashire, England.  He listed his wife, Mrs. Nellie Brennan, Mimico, as his next of kin.  He was a labourer and an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 30 years and 10 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as a car repairer living on the west side of Station Road, Mimico.

R. Bridges

A. Brown

Pte. E. Brown - 140621

According to his attestation papers dated November 15, 1915 at Toronto, Ernest Brown of Robert Street, Mimico was born on November 14, 1897 at Peterboro, Ontario.  He listed his mother Christiana Brown, Robert Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a driver and had no previous military experience. He was 18 years of age and stood 5 feet 5 3/4 inches tall.  He had blue hair, fair hair and complexion.  He had a three inch scar on his left knee; a mole on his left collar bone and a small mole on his left cheek.  He was a Methodist.

According to the 1921 Toronto City directory Christiana Brown was the widow of William living on the west side of Robert Street, Mimico.

Pte. P. Brown - 2498052

According to his attestation papers dated July 26, 1917 at Toronto, Percy Brown of Robert Street, Mimico was born on August 30, 1892 in Kingston, Ontario.  He listed his wife Betha Alice Brown, Robert Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a motorman and had no previous military experience.   He was 24 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 3/4 inches tall.   He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a scar on both legs.  He was a Methodist.

Private T. W. Burn - 778517

According to his attestation papers dated January 24, 1916 at Mimico, Thomas William Burn of Mimico was born on June 2, 1887 in Hexham, England.  He listed his wife Mrs. Eva Burn, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a shoemaker and had no previous military experience.  He was 28 years and 7 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, fair hair and complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.  

He was a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops when he died of pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Ripon on February 2, 1919.  He was buried in the Hexam Cemetery in England.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website notes that he was the husband of Eva Burn, of Macdonald St., Mimico, Ontario.

In the 1914 Toronto City directory he is listed as a machinist living on the north side of Macdonald Street, Mimico.