Dec 27, 1895
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Born in Ottawa, Ontario to John and
Christina (nee Lyall) Backs
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Nov 3, 1917
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Medical exam for the MSA (Military
Service Act) of 1917 held at Ottawa, Ontario
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Jan 17, 1918
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Conscripted into the 2nd
Depot Battalion, EOR (Eastern Ontario Regiment) under the MSA in
Ottawa, Ontario
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Number 3320133
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Next of kin given as Mrs. J. Backs,
mother, Billings Bridge, Ontario
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Previous occupation given as Labourer
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No previous military experience given
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Religion given as Presbyterian
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Posted to the regiment’s 1st
Draft
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Feb 12, 1918
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Embarked the SS Lapland in Halifax,
Nova Scotia as part of the 1st Regimental Draft
of the 2nd Depot Battalion, EOR
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Feb 24, 1918
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Disembarked in Glasgow, Scotland and
proceeded to Seaford, England where the draft was absorbed into the 6th
Reserve Battalion to continue training
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Jun 10, 1918
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Transferred to the 21st
Battalion
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Jun 11, 1918
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Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry
Base Depot) in Etaples, France and Taken On Strength of the 21st
Battalion
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Jun 17, 1918
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After leaving the base depot, he
joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St.
Vaast, France
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Jun 23, 1918
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After leaving the reinforcement camp,
Private Backs joined the 21st Battalion resting
in Bretencourt, France
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Aug 27, 1918
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While advancing on the Sensee River,
south-west of Vis-en-Artois, France, Private Backs received a shrapnel
wound to his left leg and was evacuated to the No. 8 CFA (Canadian
Field Ambulance) for first aid before being transported to the No. 42
CCS (Casualty Clearing Station). He
was then transferred the same day to the No. 12 Stationary Hospital at
St. Pol, France
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Sep 13, 1918
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Transferred via the No. 14 AT
(Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 54 General Hospital in
Aubengue, France
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Sep 17, 1918
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Invalided to England aboard the
Hospital Ship Cambria
On arrival in England, he was admitted
to the Norfolk War Hospital in Thorpe
Transferred to the EORD (Eastern
Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while in hospital
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Sep 29, 1918
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Surgery performed to clean the wound
and repair damage
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Oct 1, 1918
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Transferred to the Military
Convalescent Hospital in Woodcote Park, Epsom
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Oct 14, 1918
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Transferred to the No. 11 Canadian
General Hospital at Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe
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Nov 30, 1918
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Discharged from hospital and
transferred to the 6th Reserve Battalion
Granted 10 days sick leave
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Dec 27, 1918
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Attached to Military District No. 3
Wing in Kinmel Park, Rhyl pending return to Canada
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Jan 11, 1919
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Embarked the SS Olympic in Southampton
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Jan 17, 1919
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Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia
and proceeded to Ottawa, Ontario where he was Taken On Strength
Military District No. 3 Sub Depot
Granted leave until February 3, 1919
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Feb 8, 1919
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Discharged from the CEF in Ottawa,
Ontario
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Rank on discharge Private
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War Service Badge Class
“A” issued number 182159
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Proposed residence on discharge
Ottawa, Ontario
Following his discharge, the British
War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at Creek St., Billings
Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario
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Oct 13, 1945
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William John Backs was struck by a hit
and run driver south of Billings Bridge.
He was found beside a car and taken to the
Ottawa General Hospital where he died of a brain hemorrhage. He was later buried in the
Pinecrest Cemetery, Nepean, Ontario
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