John Robert Coghill, MM
Thank you to Jim Busby for researching the Winnipeg newspapers
for this page and for visiting the Brookside Cemetery to photograph
the grave marker

 

 

Aug 10, 1888

Born at Caithness Shire Scotland

 

 

 

Feb 19, 1915

Attested into the 21st Battalion at Kingston Ontario 

Ø      Number 59181 (temporary number 1246)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mr John Coghill (father) of Lochend Barrack, Caithness Shire Scotland

Ø      Previous occupation given as Policeman

Ø      Previous military experience given as 5th Seaforth Territorials for 2 years

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Enlisted as a member of the Pipe Band

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama at Montreal Quebec

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked at Devonport England and proceeded to West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St Seiriol at Folkestone

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked at Boulogne France and proceeded to St Omer

 

May 15, 1916

Granted 10 days leave

 

May 25, 1916

At duty from leave

 

Oct 4, 1916

Attached to the Division Mule Fatigue for duty

 

Oct 15, 1916

Returned to battalion from Fatigue duty

 

Feb 19, 1917

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

 

Oct 3, 1917

Granted 10 days leave

 

Oct 20, 1917

Rejoined battalion from leave

 

Oct 16, 1918

Promoted to rank of Corporal

 

Nov 2, 1918

Granted 14 days leave

 

Dec 23, 1918

Arrived at Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp

 

Dec 26, 1918

Rejoined battalion

 

Feb 11, 1919       Awarded the Military Medal as per London Gazette #31173 

Below is from the 21st Battalion War Diary

 

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the SS Western Australia at Havre

Disembarked in England and proceeded to Witley Camp and TOS (Taken On Strength) “P” Wing pending return to Canada

 

Apr 30, 1919

His Military Medal was presented to him by Brigadier-General R Rennie, CB, CMG, MVO, DSO while on parade at the Witley Camp

 

May 14, 1919

Embarked the SS Caronia at Liverpool

 

May 22, 1919

Disembarked at Halifax Nova Scotia and proceeded to Kingston Ontario

 

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF at Kingston Ontario 

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” number 279899 issued

Ø      Intended residence on discharge - 89 Charlotte St, Winnipeg Manitoba 

On his return to Winnipeg, he rejoined the city police force and in 1920 formed the Winnipeg City Police Pipe Band and served as their first Pipe Major.

 

 

 

Apr 16, 1921

Beginning on this date, and on subsequent dates, the following medals were sent to 89 Charlotte St, Winnipeg Manitoba 

Ø      1914-15 Star

Ø      British War Medal

Ø      Victory Medal

 

 

 

Mar 6, 1963

Deceased at Deer Lodge Hospital, St James Manitoba and was buried in the Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg

 

 


Return to Tribute list

Home

Contact