Books photos about executed POWS June 1944

[Snowtractor]

Could Ralph's serial # 40660 mean 660th enlisted in 1940 and Edward's # 42084 mean 84th of 1942. As I have found the letters and it states he enlisted in 1940 ,June. Trained in Shilo and , Debert NS and went overseas in 1941, Aug.
Letters were from H40945 Rfm Cram M.A. ( Murray) Supt.Coy Royal Wpg Rifles BWEF and also from Major G.I. James RWR .
I might add that Spencer lake was named on april 14,1972 in his Honor in Manitoba. Edward Smith must have one named for him also according to the letter attached stating that more than 1900 lakes rivers and creeks are named after Manitoba's WWII casualties.
Sean Spencer