Private Frederick Gilbert ’Fred’ Trotman

1. Private, 75th Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1916-08-02 to 1916-11-18
2. Private (Army). 1916-07-22 to 1916-08-02
3. Private (Army). 1916-06-09 to 1916-07-22
4. Private (Army). 1915-10-12 to 1916-06-09

Son of Henry 'Harry' Trotman and Harrietta Trotman (nee Rowledge)

From his great great nephew David Trotman:

My great great uncle Fredrick Gilbert Trotman served in WW1. Fred grew up in Carleton Place Ontario. Fred's second youngest brother Ernest was my grandfather. During the attack on the Desire Trench Fred was killed in action. Four years ago my oldest brother was at a auction in Smiths Falls (20 kms outside Carleton Place) and was talking to the executor of the estate and told her in conversation his last name and that our father Allan Trotman who passed away in 1967 grew up in Carleton Place. Apparently Fred's youngest brother Austin lived there years ago and passed away in 1974. Four years ago when the house was cleaned out for the auction they found a small box which had sat in the attic for many years. The executor recognized the last name and retrieved it and gave it to my brother, in it was all the letters Fred had written home from the war (upwards of 30) and the letters he kept from his mother that were send home to his mother with his belongings. Also in the box was his riding crop a pocket knife, a pocket watch and pictures of him with his military brothers. I took the time read everything including a telegram from King George V stating his death. Fred always made sure to reinforce the he was fine not to worry his mother and to make sure his brothers were helping out with their share of the chores. His name sits proudly of the Vimy memorial in Vimy, Pas-de-Calais, France.

He was born June 15, 1893 in Carleton Place Ontario. He was raised Baptist and stood at 5’ 7”. His next of kin were Mr. and Mrs. Harry Trotman: he had 4 brothers and 2 sisters (his younger brother Ernest was my grandfather). He was not married. He joined the 42nd regiment in Smiths Falls, Ontario on October 5, 1915. He was 22 years 5 month when he left his job as a moulder at Findlay Foundry to enlist. Originally with the 80th battalion, when the 80th was broken up Fredrick went to the 74th, later he was transferred to the 11th brigade machine company and than later to the 75th. Fred was killed during the attack on the Desire Trench.