Hi Andy
The letter "E" indicate that the soldier enlisted in
Eastern Quebec Province, Military District #5. The number falls within the Block assigned(615001-620000) to
No 54 Basic Training Centre.
Great book on Army Regimental Numbers 1936-60 available through Member Clive Law here:
http://www.servicepub.com/
I hope this is of some help to you. Am I correct that you have a piece of kit with a number on it but no name?
You could ask for the file alone based on the Regimental Number but I am not sure what you'd get. If they did send something then likely it would be heavily redacted for personal info as there is no proof of death more than 20 years ago. If your request is succesful though, you would then have a name. I have never asked for a file based on Regt'l Number alone.
regards
Darrell