Canada as the senior Dominion in the British Empire was automatically at war with Germany upon the British declaration. There was popular support for the war amongst the English Canadians, and noticeably around 55% of the First Division were from men who were born in the United Kingdom. The Canadian Expeditionary Force consisted of 260 numbered infantry battalions, 2 named infantry battalions (The Royal Canadian Regiment and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry), 13 mounted rifle regiments, 13 railway troop battalions, 5 pioneer battalions, as well as other service units. The Canadian Expeditionary Force was comprised mostly of men who had volunteered, as conscription was not enforced until January 1918. The Canadian Expeditionary Force lost 60,661 dead, representing just over 9% of the 619,636 who enlisted. Canadians who served are commemorated on the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Robert Bruce McMartin – 76th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery. Born on 29 May 1900 at Duluth Minnesota USA. Next of kin: William John McMartin, 283 Kingsway Avenue Winnipeg. Occupation: Clerk. Attestation on 29 October 1918 at Winnipeg.
Stanford William Patrick (Stanley) Payte – Born on 21 April 1888 at Mark Cross Sussex. Next of kin: Mrs Emma Payte, mother, Preston Park Brighton Sussex. Occupation: Blacksmith. Attestation on 29 January 1916 at Winnipeg.
Clifford Henry Rattle – Born 11/2/1889 Somerset, England. Address: 47 St Clarens Avenue Toronto. Occupation: Painter. Attestation on 16January 1917 at Toronto.
Harry Rattle – Private 887532 5th Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment, Canadian Infantry. Died on 10 November 1917 aged 53. Son of Henry and Mary Murray Rattle. Husband of Helen Kate Rattle, of the Red House Plumstead Road Norwich England. Next of kin: Mrs Mary Bott, sister, 43 Winchester Road St Margaret’s on Thames Middlesex. Attestation on 17 June 1916 at Yorktown Saskatchewan.
Samuel James Rattle – Born on 13 April 1895 at Ontario. Next of kin: Mr Samuel Rattle, father. Occupation: Farmer. Attestation on 21 December 1915 at Toronto.
William Frederick Rattle – Born on 6 February 1893 at Ontario. Next of kin: Mr Samuel Rattle, father. Occupation: Teacher. Attestation on 13 March 1916.
Information has been provided by the courtesy of Anne Vogt in Canada, and other information is from service records in the Canadian National Archives.