George Alexander Byng


There is a scratch on the tag above making it appear that the service number is incorrect.

Thank you to Bruce Kettles for providing the service file

 

Aug 31, 1888

Born to George Clive and Phoebe Jane (nee Green) Byng in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

 

Nov 16, 1914

Attested into the 21st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario 

Ø      Number 59126 (temporary number 987)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. G. Byng, mother, Bobcaygeon, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Carpenter

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion as Wesleyan

Ø      Assigned to “B” Company

o       This was later reorganized into “A” Company

 

Dec 5, 1914

Married to Muriel Martha Grant in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent.

 

Jun 19, 1915

Sentenced to 10 days detention and forfeited 3 day’s pay for insubordination and absence.

 

Jul 16, 1915

Reported to be AWL (Absent Without Leave).

 

Jul 18, 1915

Reported for duty from being AWL and forfeited 3 day’s pay.

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

 

Sep 15, 1915

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

 

Nov 17, 1915

Attached to the 2nd Division Headquarters and employed as the Divisional Carpenter.

 

Apr 19, 1916

Rejoined the 21st Battalion from 2nd Division Headquarters.

 

Dec 19, 1916

Granted 10 days leave of absence.

 

Jan 2, 1917

Rejoined the Battalion from leave.

 

Nov 28, 1917

Granted 14 days leave of absence.

 

Dec 15, 1917

Rejoined the Battalion from leave.

 

Oct 12, 1918

While visiting the Transport Section behind the fighting on the Marcoing Front Line, Private Byng was killed when an artillery shell exploded near him. 




Above is from the July 1938 issue of the Communiqué, the 21st Battalion Association's post war newsletter.

He was buried in the Marcoing Line British Cemetery.  This was later renamed the Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery, Sailly France.

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his widow, Mrs. Muriel Byng, Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

A second Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. George C. Byng, also of Bobcaygeon.

 

George Byng is commemorated on the war memorial in Bobcaygeon


Return to Tribute list

Home

Contact