William Henry Billings


May 7, 1881

Born in Herstmonceux, Sussex, England to Lester and Ann (nee Sargent) Billings

 

Mar 20, 1906

Embarked the SS Montrose in Liverpool, England with his wife Ellen and 2-year-old daughter Nora

 

The ship’s manifest lists his occupation as Painter

 

Mar 31, 1906

Disembarked in Saint John, New Brunswick and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario

 

Jun 1, 1911

The Canadian Census shows him living at 410 Concord Ave., Toronto, Ontario with his wife Ellen and daughter Nora and his occupation is listed as Decorator

 

Nov 17, 1914

Attested into the 21st Battalion CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Number 59065 (temporary number 47)

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. Ellen Billings, wife, 884½ Bloor St. West, Toronto, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Decorator

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Posted to “A” Company

The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

 

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

 

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

 

Mar 15, 1916

While out on a work party near Messines Ridge, Belgium, Private Billings was knocked down by the explosion of an artillery shell and injured his left knee

 

Mar 16, 1916

Admitted to the No. 6 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads Dislocation of Left Knee

He was transferred the same day to the No. 2 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment

 

Mar 17, 1916

Transferred via the No. 23 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital and Osteo Arthritis is added to the diagnosis

 

Mar 21, 1916

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Stad Antwerpen

  

On arrival in England he was admitted to the Graylingwell Hospital in Chichester and Rheumatoid Arthritis of the left knee is added to the diagnosis

Transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) for pay purposes while in hospital

 

Apr 3, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Monks Horton

 

Apr 17, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Granville Special Hospital in Ramsgate

 

May 4, 1916

Discharged from hospital with a recommendation that he is no longer fit for service

 

May 6, 1916

Transferred to the CCD (Canadian Convalescent Depot) in Bath pending discharge

 

May 25, 1916

Disembarked the SS Olympic in Quebec City, Quebec

 

May 27, 1916

Medical Board in Quebec City recommends he be discharged as Medically Unfit for Service

 

Jun 23, 1916

Medical Board held at the Central Military Convalescent Hospital in Toronto, Ontario notes that the patient suffers from marked Osteo Arthritis of the left knee that is considered permanent.  He would benefit from a further 2 months of treatment at this hospital

 

Aug 15, 1916

Medical Board held at the Canadian Military Convalescent Hospital in Toronto notes that the left leg is practically straight and painful when weight is placed on it.  The board recommends 2 months treatment as an out-patient

 

Oct 11, 1916

Medical Board held at the Spadina Military Hospital in Toronto, notes that there is considerable swelling and pain in the left knee.  The board recommends treatment in a convalescent home.

 

Dec 13, 1916

Medical Board held at the Spadina Military Hospital in Toronto, notes that the knee is improving with treatment but there is little range of movement.  The board recommends another 3 months of rest and treatment in a convalescent home.  If no improvement is noted at that point, surgery is recommended

 

Apr 1, 1917

Admitted to the MHCC (Military Hospitals Commission of Canada) College Hospital in Toronto to be treated as an out-patient

 

Apr 30, 1917

Discharged from the CEF in Toronto, Ontario with a recommendation to receive a disability pension

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued

Ø  Residence on discharge 14 Roselawn Ave., Toronto, Ontario

Following his discharge, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 358 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario

 

May 11, 1917

Discharged from hospital care

 

Apr 22, 1927

William Henry Billings died while a patient in the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and was later buried in the Prospect Cemetery, Toronto

  

 



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