460786 Private Charles Albert Franklin was the 15th Battalion’s last fatal casualty during its April 1916 front line tour near Hill 60. Franklin was a 31 year old plumber with pre-war service in the Militia with the 90th Regiment (Winnipeg Rifles) when he attested into the 61st Battalion in Winnipeg, Manitoba in June 1915. In the UK he was transferred to the 17th Reserve Battalion which was supplying reinforcements to units at the Front in Europe. On March 3, 1916 he was taken on strength of the 15th Battalion and assigned to No. 2 Company. Not long thereafter, on April 30th Private Franklin was killed in action suffering wounds to his head, stomach and chest from a German trench mortar round.
Before the tour ended on May 2nd, the total killed during this front line tour would be 11 NCOs and Men killed inaction and 56 All Ranks wounded. Like a number of other Highlanders killed in action in this tour near Hill 60, he is buried in Woods Cemetery.
NOK: Son of Thomas Harrison Franklin, of Hendon, London, England; husband of Margaret Jane Franklin, of 1660, Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario.
Mrs. M. Franklin (W) 84 Albert Rd., Hendon, London, England
