| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 55590 |
| Unit # | 19th |
| Resident | Ridgetown |
The son of Robert Clingersmith of Ridgetown. A single clerk. Attestation: 12/11/1914 at Toronto, ON. to 19th Bn.0
The following letters were received by Mr. Robert Clingersmith, printed in the Bothwell Times 31 August, 1916.
“The Trenches,
Belgium,
10 July, 1916.
Dear Sir, You will no doubt have received official notice by this time of your sons death in action. He was instantly killed on July 2nd by a bomb, which exploded at his feet.
We feel the loss in the Machine Gun Section as his work during the past three months was very good. His handling of the gun crew which he had charge of was exceedingly good. The location of the grave has been forwarded to the Graves Commission.
Sincerely yours,
C.E. Kilman, Captain.”
A second letter was also printed:
“The Trenches,
Belgium,
4 July, 1916.
From Lt. Col. John I. McLaren
Commanding 19th Battalion.
To Mr. R. Clingersmith, Ridgetown, ON.
Dear Sir,
It is with profound regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son No. 55590 Pte. Roy Clingersmith of the Batallion under my command which occurred 2nd of July 1916.
He was on duty in the front line trenches on the morning of that day, and duringa bombardment of the trenches by the enemy was instantly killed by a bomb which exploded at his feet.
He was buried by the Brigade Chaplan in a recognized military cemetery behind the firing line, and a cross bearing his name, number, regiment and date of deceased will be erected over his grave; and in due course of time you will no doubt receive a photograph of the grave from the authorities concerned in this care of soldiers graves at this front.
Your son was a good soldier and has been with my battalion since it’s formation for active service, during which time he had earned the respect and esteem of both officers and comrades alikeand his loss id deeply deplored by all.
Extending you my heartfelt sorrow and sympathy.
I remain yours sincerely,
John I McLarean Lt.-Col.
Commanding 19th Battalion.
A foot note to the article says “The late Roy Clingersmith was born in Bothwell January 9th, 1894.” This does not agree with his birth date on his attestation papers by two years?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1803 – 40 |
| Supplemental Information | . KIA, Date of Death: 02/07/1916. Grave Reference: Enclosure No.4 I. R. 5. Cemetery: BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium. |
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