Source: August 1918 casualty.
At 39, this chauffeur was much older than the average member of the CEF when he enlisted on December 21, 1915, in Toronto, Ontario. As a member of the 124th Battalion, it was not until August 1916, that they left Canadian shores aboard the SS Cameronia. After an approximate 10-day voyage they arrived in England on August 18, 1916.
Less than 2-months later he was transferred for “overseas” service with the 18th Battalion. His route to the Battalion was a bit unusual. Travelling from England to France he arrived at the 2nd Canadian Base Depot for processing. He was officially taken on strength with the Battalion but, on November 5, 1916, he arrived for service with the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion. He stayed with that unit until transferred to the 14th Canadian Machine Gun Company on January 17, 1917, and then returned to the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion on February 5, 1917.
Finally, on March 5, 1917, he arrived at the 18th Battalion and was present for the action at Vimy Ridge in March 1917. His health suffered and he had to get a series of medical treatments as he was pulled out of the line on April 12, 1918 and was returned for service with the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion on June 13, 1917. He then rejoined the 18th on July 31, 1917.
His stay with the Battalion was short as he was assigned to the 4th Canadian Trench Mortar Battery until, once again, he returned to the 18th October 12, 1917. He appears to then stay with the 18th Battalion until he is killed during enemy action on August 28, 1918.
His Circumstances of Death Card relates:
‘”Killed in Action.” During operations in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, he was hit in the legs and body, by shrapnel and instantly killed.’
He is buried with Private Harry Edmond Leslie, reg. no. 202017, 20th Battalion, CEF.
