Dec 9, 1882

Born in Highbury, London, England.

The 1901 British Census lists him as a sailor in the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Boxer in the Grand Harbour, Valetta, Malta.

Nov 1, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario 

Ø      Number 59049 (temporary number 1105)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Thomas Beckett, mother, Otterburn, Union St., Kingston

Ø      Previous occupation given as Sailor

Ø      Previous military service given as Royal Naval for 7 years

Ø      Religion given as Salvation Army

Ø      Assigned to the Headquarters Company for duty as a Batman

It should be noted that his medical certificate was not signed until March 29, 1915 and the Commanding Officer did not sign his acceptance until April 5, 1915

May 1, 1915

Assigned to the Depot Company and declared to be a Deserter

This was later rescinded and he was TOS (Taken On Strength) as of the same date.  It would seem that he was declared to be absent as a result of a clerical error, but in fact was still with the battalion.

May 6, 1915

Embarked the Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to West Sandling, near Hythe, Kent for additional training.

Sep 8, 1915

Married to Kathleen Gambell at Hythe, Kent.  Her address was noted as 20 Frampton Road, Hythe, Kent, England.  This was later changed to 42 Frampton Road.

Wedding photograph

Sep 25, 1915

Private Beckett remained behind when the battalion sailed for France and was transferred to the 39^th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling.  I could find no reason in the file for this

Dec 6, 1915

Granted permission to marry

Nov 1, 1916

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Jan 4, 1917

Transferred to the newly formed 6^th Reserve Battalion at Seaford

Feb 14, 1918

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Feb 15, 1918

Arrived at the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 23 reinforcements and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Feb 16, 1918

Pte Beckett arrived in France from the 6^th Reserve Battalion and TOS the 21^st Battalion.

Feb 18, 1918

Left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart as part of a draft of 23 reinforcements destined for the 21^st Battalion

Mar 15, 1918

Rejoined the 21^st Battalion in billets in the village of Gouy-Servins

Apr 13, 1918

Attached to the 2^nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps for duty at Basseux, France

Apr 30, 1918

SOS (Struck Off Strength) the 21^st Battalion on being transferred to the 2^nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps.

Jan 5, 1919

Granted 14 days leave to England

Jan 24, 1919

Rejoined the battalion from leave

Apr 13, 1919

Embarked in Havre, France and proceeded to England

May 3, 1919

Posted to the CMGD (Canadian Machine Gun Depot) and attached to #2 CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot), London, pending discharge in England

May 5, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in London, England

Ø      Rank on discharge Private

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” issued

Ø      Proposed residence on discharge 39 Frampton Road, Hythe, Kent, England

Following the war the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 39 Frampton Road, Hythe, Kent, England

After the war he became a batman at the Small Arms School in Hythe.  During the second world war he served with the Civil Defence as an ambulance driver.