Private Claude Root

1. Private, 18th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
2. Private (Army).

Son of Samuel James Root and Maria Emma Root (nee Banks); younger brother of Samuel James Root (Service No. 802269), Albert Edward Root (Service No. 400880), Arthur William Root (Service No. 845196) and James Root (Service No. 2691618); husband of Emily Julia Elizabeth Root (nee Ingrey) married December 13, 1919

Note: Attestation papers say born in Canada

From John Spiers

Claude Root (born 27 February 1898, at 3 Nuttall Street, Haggerston; he died in 1981). He was the son of Samuel Root and Maria Emma Banks. He married Emily Ingrey (born Shoreditch, 1898 - died 1960 in Canada). As a schoolboy in east London he was awarded a bronze medal for good conduct and punctual attendance in 1909 by the Walthamstow Education Committee. See photograph of medal from Phil Cramer in Canada, 21 June 2008, e-mail. He removed to Canada, too. On 10 January 1916 he signed the Attestation Paper, no.802645. He gave his address as 26 Forward Avenue, London, Ontario, and his next of kin as his Father Samuel James Root, of that address. Claude was a Cigarmaker. He did not belong to the active militia but had served for 6 months in the 7th Detached Guard. He was 5ft 10 ins tall, with girth when fully expanded of 35 inc., range of expansion 4 ins. His complexion was dark, eyes blue, hair colour brown. He was given as Church of England. Information, Phil Cramer, 21 June 2008. He was gassed in WW1. He lived in London, Ontario for a short while after his wife died, then moved to the veterans hospital [which one???] due to his war service where his lungs were compromised. He died there. He said he fought at Vimy Ridge [regiment?], but this is unconfirmed. After his wife's death he went into the ministry and became an Anglican Priest, it is said.