Dec 27, 1895

Born in Ottawa, Ontario to John and Christina (nee Lyall) Backs

Nov 3, 1917

Medical exam for the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 held at Ottawa, Ontario

Jan 17, 1918

Conscripted into the 2^nd Depot Battalion, EOR (Eastern Ontario Regiment) under the MSA in Ottawa, Ontario

Ø  Number 3320133

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. J. Backs, mother, Billings Bridge, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø  Posted to the regiment’s 1^st Draft

Feb 12, 1918

Embarked the SS Lapland in Halifax, Nova Scotia as part of the 1^st Regimental Draft of the 2nd Depot Battalion, EOR

Feb 24, 1918

Disembarked in Glasgow, Scotland and proceeded to Seaford, England where the draft was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Jun 10, 1918

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Jun 11, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and Taken On Strength of the 21^st Battalion

Jun 17, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast, France

Jun 23, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Backs joined the 21^st Battalion resting in Bretencourt, France

Aug 27, 1918

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

Sep 13, 1918

Transferred via the No. 14 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 54 General Hospital in Aubengue, France

Sep 17, 1918

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

Sep 29, 1918

Surgery performed to clean the wound and repair damage

Oct 1, 1918

Transferred to the Military Convalescent Hospital in Woodcote Park, Epsom

Oct 14, 1918

Transferred to the No. 11 Canadian General Hospital at Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe

Nov 30, 1918

Discharged from hospital and transferred to the 6^th Reserve Battalion

Granted 10 days sick leave

Dec 27, 1918

Attached to Military District No. 3 Wing in Kinmel Park, Rhyl pending return to Canada

Jan 11, 1919

Embarked the SS Olympic in Southampton

Jan 17, 1919

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

Feb 8, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Ottawa, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 182159

Ø  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

Oct 13, 1945

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