Apr 6, 1885

Born in Toronto, Ontario to James and Susanna (nee Harrison) Collyer

Mar 23, 1915

Attested into the 21^st Battalion CEF in Lindsay, Ontario

Ø  Number 59184 (temporary number 1342)

Ø  Next of kin given as James Collyer, father, 1823 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Bricklayer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

Ø  Posted to “C” 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

Aug 13, 1915

Absent from camp for 1 day

Aug 18, 1915

Forfeited 1 day’s pay and restricted to ½ pay for 1 month for his absence

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

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

Oct 2, 1915

While resting in billets in Dranouter, Belgium, Private Collyer was admitted to the field ambulance there with a diagnosis that reads Coryza, an inflammation of the nasal passages

Oct 9, 1915

Discharged to duty

Oct 2, 1916

Admitted to the No. 7 Canadian General Hospital in Le Treport, France with a diagnosis that reads Exhaustion

Oct 10, 1916

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Lanfranc

On arrival in England he was admitted to the No. 5 London General Hospital, London and the diagnosis was changed to read Dilated Heart

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

Nov 28, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bromley

Dec 12, 1916

Discharged from hospital and reported to the CCAC in Hastings

Dec 15, 1916

Attached to the CCD (Canadian Convalescent Depot) for physical training at the St. Leonard’s Hospital

Jan 22, 1917

Medical Board at St. Leonard’s Hospital notes that he has a rapid heart rate (120 per min), is very nervous and suffers from shortness of breath on any exertion.  He is declared to be unfit for any physical activity

Mar 10, 1917

Transferred to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while in hospital

May 4, 1917

Sentenced to 10 days Field Punishment #2 and loss of 3 day’s pay for an unspecified offence

May 8, 1917

Medical Board at St. Leonard’s Hospital notes that the diagnosis is VDH (Valvular Disease of the Heart).  He has a Systolic Murmur, heart rate is rapid, complains of shortness of breath and is very debilitated

May 28, 1917

Discharged from St. Leonard’s Hospital

Jun 1, 1917

Medical Board at Seaford recommends he be returned to Canada for discharge

Jun 7, 1917

Attached to the CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) in Buxton pending return to Canada

Jun 22, 1917

Embarked the SS Metagama in Liverpool

Jul 9, 1917

Disembarked in Montreal, Quebec and proceeded to Toronto, Ontario

Jul 31, 1917

Transferred to the No. 2 Special Service Company in the Exhibition Camp, Toronto

Aug 21, 1917

Forfeited 1 day’s pay for being absent

Sep 21, 1917

Forfeited 3 day’s pay and sentenced to 168 hours Detention for being AWL (Absent Without Leave)

Nov 9, 1917

Forfeited 8 day’s pay and sentenced to 10 days CB (Confined to Barracks) for being AWL

Dec 18, 1917

Forfeited 1 day’s pay for being absent

Feb 18, 1918

Forfeited 17 day’s pay and sentenced to 48 hours Detention for being AWL

Mar 26, 1918

Discharged from the CEF at the Exhibition Camp, Toronto, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “B” issued number C32541

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge 72 Robert St., Toronto, Ontario

Following his discharge, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 72 Robert St., Toronto, Ontario

Oct 20, 1933

Married to Mary Ann Sang in Toronto, Ontario

Dec 16, 1934

James Collyer died at home, 73 Welland Ave., Toronto, Ontario of Myocarditis and was buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.  His death was attributed to his wartime service, however there was no Memorial Cross issued as he married after his discharge from service and his mother had predeceased him.

Thank you to Gloria Mills for arranging to have the photo taken