Feb 14, 1899

Born at Crookston Ontario to James and Elizabeth (nee Ferguson) Blair

Jan 1, 1917

Attested into the 254^th Battalion at Crookston Ontario 

Ø      Number 1093189

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs Elizabeth Blair, mother, of Crookston Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist 

He lied about his age, stating that he was born February 14, 1898, making him appear to be a year older than his actual age

Jun 2, 1917

Embarked the RMS Olympic at Halifax Nova Scotia

Jun 9, 1917

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to Seaford

Jun 10, 1917

The Battalion was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion at Seaford

Oct 26, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Oct 27, 1917

Arrived at the No 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) at Etaples France along with 10 other reinforcements from England.  On Arrival he was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Oct 30, 1917

He left the CIBD and arrived at the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) at Calonne Ricouart

Nov 6, 1917

He left the CC Rein C Camp at Calonne Ricouart by train for the Beaver Camp near Poperinghe Belgium.  This was a staging area for the troops moving forward.  He was delayed here as the Canadians were engaged with the Germans at Passchendaele

Nov 20, 1917

Joined the 21^st Battalion at Camblain L’Abbe

Mar 6, 1918

During a raid by the 21^st Battalion near Lens, Pte Blair was Killed in Action.

Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery
Pas de Calais, France

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Blair, at Crookston Ontario