| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 6429 |
| Unit # | 1st |
| Resident | Chatham |
Regimental number: 6429 Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1321 – 63, Item: 78377, PDF: B1321-SO63. Date of Birth 03/02/1895
Born in Chatham, Ontario the son of William R. Burtch and Mary Pearson. He was “well known in Chatham, having at one time lived here”. In fact, he was born in the city and still had two uncles, Frank and A.M. Burtch, of Raleigh street living there when the announcement of his death was made. At the time of Homer’s father at Jarvis City, Michigan, USA.
Homer enlisted with the 1st Battalion of the 1st Canadian Expeditionary Force in Windsor, Ontario. 22/09/ 14. At Valcartier, PQ. Age: 19 yrs. 5 Mos., Height: 5’ 3 1/2”, Girth: 36”, Complexion: Dark. Eyes: Hazell, Hair: Brown, 1 Vaccination on left arm and a scar below his left knee, Weight: 137 #. A painter by trade.
Homer sailed with the 1st Contingent from Quebec 3/10/1914.
The first indication that not all was well with him came by telegram on May 5th saying that he had been wounded. He received a GSW to the shoulder 27/04/15 at No. 11 General Hospital
When the Chatham Daily Planet 14/05/1915 reported on Homer’s, death after being wounded at Langemarck they got his name wrong calling him “Hoben Albin” and tried to correct the error the following day with “ Homer Albin”.
BURTCH, HOMER PEARSON Initials: H P Nationality: Canadian Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 20, DOW Date of Death: 26/04/1915. Service No: 6429 Additional information: Son of William Ransom Burtch and Mary Pearson, of 415, S. Washington Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A.. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. A. 30. Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY
He was eligible for the 1914-15 Star. His father received the Memorial Plaque and Scroll 27/01/1922. It appears that his mother was not alive and there was no Memorial Cross.
See Attestation record BURTCH H P 6429 copied – LAC-FMF.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (14-05-1915), Chatham Daily Planet (15-05-1915) |
| Height | 5' 3 1/2" |
| Weight | 137 Lbs. lbs |
| Eye Colour | Hazel |
| Age | 19 yrs. 5 mths. |
| Complexion | Dark |
| Hair | Brown |
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