| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 7153 |
| Unit # | 1st Canadian Contingent |
| 24th Reg. | Yes |
| Resident | Chatham |
Private Holmes left Canada in Sept. 1914 with the 1st battalion, reached France Feb. 9, 1915 and was killed at Fleurbaix by German shell Mar. 1, being the first Kent County boy killed in the Great War.
Given Name: Cecil. Age: 9; Sex: M; Ship: Southwark.
Year of Arrival: 1905; Departure Port: Liverpool, Departure Date: 22 June 1905.
Arrival Port: Quebec.
Arrival Date: 1 July 1905Party: Dr. Barnardo’s Destination: Toronto
Comments:-163 children in Dr. Barnardo’s Party 162 boys and 1 girl to Toronto. Five boys were crossed off this list as not belonging to Dr. Barnardo’s Party and two boys were added without ages.
FROM THE MILITARY ARCHIVES – (7153) HOLMES, Cecil – Pte. Killed In Action.
At – Valcartier PQ. – 22/09/14.
DOB: 21/07/1895 – RG150, Accession 1992-93 – Box: 4455-47: – 465108, PDF: B4455-SO47. Born at London, England. N of K: Charles Holmes (father) at 62 Marulia Bldg’s Old Kent Rd. London, ON
1914 August to Sept – 24th Kent Regt. – Sailed 3/10/1
From the LAC:- “Archives” A farmer:- (single) – Vaccination – Yes. Apparent Age: 19yrs., Height: 5’ 4 ¾, Girth: 35 1/3”, Range: 3ins. Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown, “Scars on chin, one on left cheek, Scar on left thigh.” “Fit”. 21/08/14 – Valcartic – 23/09/14 – From Quebec – aboard the S.S. Laurentic 4/10/14 – Age: 19yrs
Reported (KIA) 19/03/15 – .Shrapnel – 19/03/15. KILLED IN ACTION – IN France (19/03/15).
“In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my father – Mr. Charles Holmes – 62 Darwin Place, Old Kent Rd. London, City.
Cecil Holmes – 7153” – After his father was looking for Cecil’s Military Money from his pay.” Received 13/02/17. To March 1915.
Memorial Cross – to his Mother: Mrs. C. Holmes 30/04/1920 and the Scroll and Plaque – 28/09/21
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Cenotaph | Chatham and Kent County Cenotaph - Chatham |
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (20-03-1915), Chatham Daily Planet (25-10-1917), Chatham Daily Planet (27-09-1919), Centennial Chatham 1895-1995 - John Rhodes |
| Height | 5'5" |
| Eye Colour | blue |
| Age | 17 |
| Complexion | fair |
| Hair | fair |
| Race | white |
| Birthplace | England |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Last Place of Employment | Section Man, G.T.R. |
| Marital Status | single |
| When Enlisted | Aug. 1914 |
| Where Enlisted | Chatham, Ontario |
| Next of Kin | Father: Charles Holmes |
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