One CEF First World War casualty is among the 13 on the latest appeal for relatives list from the CWGC.
Lance Corporal C Drew (11471) of the Canadian Infantry, who died on 9 November 1918, was buried at Reading Cemetery, Berkshire. The reason CWGC gives for wanting contact is “Lance Corporal Drew is currently commemorated by Special Memorial at this cemetery. Research has identified the casualty’s grave and the Commission is in the process of producing a headstone to mark it.”
According to his service file, Charles Drew was born on 1 May 1874 in Reading, Berkshire. He enlisted on 6 August 1914 at Welland, Ontario, was wounded by shrapnel on 24 May 1915, had a leg amputated, then discharged as medically unfit in England on 2 October 1916.
Charles Barnett Drew died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading leaving an estate of £171- 1s- 10d.
He appears to be the Charles B Drew who left Liverpool on the White Star Line ship Canada on 13 March 1913.
He had an elder brother and two younger sisters so next of kin would likely be found in the UK.
This serves to remind — he was one of many British-born residents of Canada who formed the majority of the volunteer CEF until mid-1917.