Private Clair Van Wyck Laughton

1. Private (Army).
2. Private (Army). 1915-12-15 to 1916-01-17

St. Clair Van Wyck Laughton details are included in the Laughton Family Tree:

http://www.censol.ca/research/familytree/eras/clair1886.htm

The "deserter" status is perhaps why St. Clair was seldom mentioned or discussed by the family. Prior to seeing the attestation papers I had no knowledge of this event and it was never mentioned by the family.

My inspection of the Van Wyck Laughton family headstone at the Parkhill Cemetary does not record either Clair Van Wyck Laughton or his wife Eva Rose Laughton (nee Wickert), although it is reported that they are in the Parkhill Cemetery (as reported by Charles Box, Box Funeral Home, November 2, 1987). The heastone is shown here: http://www.censol.ca/research/familytree/cemeteries/photographs/parkhill/p9110012.jpg

St. Clair Van Wyck Laughton was one of several older brothers of George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C. (#82130 also included in this data base). Clair apparently also served in the 7th Regiment Fusiliers, the same militia regiment as his younger brother George.

Although not previously noted, on the side of his attestation papers is written "DESERTER 11-2-16", something I had not previously noted. His papers report that he was "Pardoned under General Amnesty December 20th, 1919".
http://www.censol.ca/research/familytree/documents/clair_service_record.pdf

I have received his service file from LAC and it is now posted on his page in the Laughton Family Tree.