Gordon Carter
Gordon Carter was born on November 29th, 1888, in Peterborough, Ontario. He was described as a 5’ 5” tall man with blue eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion. He was a Presbyterian, and had good physical development, however, at the time of signing up for the army, his left index finger was amputated at the first joint.
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Gordon lived with his mother, Margaret Jane Carter, and father, William Carter, at 536 Bolivar Street, and worked as a farmer. On his attestation papers, his next-of-kin was his mother. When signing up for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, he was unmarried and was 29 years old. Although he was born and lived in Peterborough, he signed up in Coburg on February 9th, 1916. Gordon had 3 years experience with the 57th Peterborough Rangers before signing up.
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He signed up the 139th Battalion as a Private with the regimental number 814251, but was later transferred to the 35th Battalion on October 6th, 1916, to the 4th Battalion on January 15th, 1918, and finally to the 3rd Battalion on March 29th, 1918.
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Gordon was present for the battle of Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. He was injured many times by being shot in the leg and knee. In April of 1918, he was declared missing in action. It was presumed he had died on the 23rd. He was not buried, and instead has a memorial at Vimy.
Gordon's Military Will
Gordon's Attestation Papers from 1916.
Memorial
Gordon was missing in action, and presumed to have died on April 23rd, 1918. Therefore, he does not have a grave. He instead has a memorial plaque on the Vimy Ridge Memorial for his sacrifice in the war.
The plaque with Gordon's name on it, honouring him for his service in the war.
A video showing what the soldiers went through while fighting in the Battle of Passchendaele, a battle Gordon fought in.
A letter from Gordon to his next-of-kin, his mother, (left), and a response letter from his mother (right).