Pte. Francis William Kidd was born in Toronto on August 26th (1883 or 1884), to John Kidd and Matilda Sexton. Unfortunately, Matilda died before Francis reached 5 years of age.

Before the War, Francis had followed his father into the tin-smithing trade in Toronto and married Dorcas Dole in May 1907. Records show that they had at least 2 children: a son and a daughter. A further marriage after the War produced certainly one further son in 1926.

In the immediate pre-War period, Francis served 3 years in the 9th Mississauga Horse militia and consequently served periods of time with the Governor General's Body Guard.

With the military now in his blood, when the call came, Francis enlisted very early on, attesting into the 4th CMR as part of the original in-take in November, 1914.

During his service with the 4th CMR, having seen action at Vimy Ridge, it is believed that Francis was wounded 3 times. On the last of these occasions, Francis spent 2 weeks in a coma, had a metal plate put in his head and was then returned home on compassionate leave.

Francis was discharged in December 1917, and after a full and active life subsequently passed on in November 1953.

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The above biography is courtesy of Heather Baiano and Sandy Lyons. The image is courtesy of 4cmr.com