Nov 27, 1888

Born in Cartwright Township, Ontario to Robert and Ida Louiza (nee Venning) Crawford

Mar 15, 1916

Shown on the payroll of the 136^th Battalion

Apr 5, 1916

Attested into the 136^th Battalion in Port Hope, Ontario 

Ø      Number 805653

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Robert Crawford, mother, Blackstock, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Carpenter

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist

For some reason he gave his birth date as November 28, 1888 rather than the correct date of November 27. 

On attesting, he declared that his father was not alive and that he was the sole supporter of his mother

Aug 10, 1916

Admitted to the Valcartier, Quebec Camp Hospital with a diagnosis that reads Tonsillitis

Aug 12, 1916

Discharged to duty from hospital

Sep 25, 1916

Embarked the SS Corsican in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oct 6, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion was absorbed into the 39^th Reserve Battalion in West Sandling to continue training

Oct 14, 1916

Paraded before a Medical Board in West Sandling complaining of pain in his right foot from an old injury and was having trouble marching 

The board recommended 4 weeks of Physical Therapy

Oct 30, 1916

Posted to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) and attached to the CCD (Canadian Convalescent Depot) for duty

Nov 3, 1916

Posted to the CCAC Staff for light duty in Shoreham

Jan 16, 1917

Paraded before a Medical Board in Hastings complaining of pain in his right foot again.  His medical category was set at A3, for those who will be fit for duty after physical training

Apr 25, 1917

Posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) and attached to the 3^rd CCD and sent to St. Leonard’s Hospital for Physical Therapy

May 24, 1917

Discharged from hospital and posted to the 6^th Reserve Battalion in Seaford

Jun 19, 1917

Posted to the 21^st Battalion

Jun 20, 1917

Arrived at the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Jul 8, 1917

Left the CIBD and joined the 2^nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion in Hersin as part of a draft of 53 reinforcements destined to join the 21^st Battalion

Aug 20, 1917

Left the entrenching battalion and joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Fosse 10 as part of a draft of 50 reinforcements

Dec 15, 1917

While on a routine patrol of the front line, Private Crawford witnessed the accidental shooting of Lieutenant G Bowie and was required to give testimony at the inquiry.  His statement is below

Jan 20, 1918

Attached to the 2^nd Canadian Division Engineers for duty

Mar 10, 1918

Rejoined the battalion from the Canadian Engineers and granted 14 days leave

Mar 15, 1918

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Apr 13, 1918

Rejoined the battalion from leave

Oct 21, 1918

Admitted to the No. 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads Asthma

Oct 22, 1918

Transferred to the No. 30 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment

Oct 23, 1918

Transferred via the No. 16 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 4 General Hospital

Oct 26, 1918

Medical Classification set as B1 (capable of non combat duty only) and discharged from hospital to the base depot

Oct 27, 1918

Joined the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples

Oct 30, 1918

Posted to the Canadian Labour Pool for duty as a result of his medical classification

Nov 12, 1918

Posted to the CCLRD (Canadian Corps Light Rail Depot) for duty

Nov 13, 1918

Posted to the No. 3 Canadian Infantry Works Company

Dec 21, 1918

Admitted to the No. 14 CFA with a diagnosis that reads Arthritis in large toe, left foot

Dec 22, 1918

Discharged to duty

Jan 7, 1919

Posted to the CGBD (Canadian Garrison Base Depot) in Witley and granted permission to marry on the same date

Jan 22, 1919

Married and next of kin changed to read Mrs. Florence Crawford

Mar 4, 1919

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

Apr 9, 1919

Embarked the SS Minnedosa in Liverpool with his wife Florence

Apr 17, 1919

Disembarked in Saint John, New Brunswick

Apr 20, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Saint John 

Ø      Rank on discharge Private

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 131097

Ø      Proposed residence on discharge Toronto, Ontario

Oct 22, 1921

William Robert Crawford died after suffering a heart attack and was buried in the Cartwright Union Cemetery, Cartwright Ontario

His death was determined to be a result of his service, and following his death the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his widow, Mrs. Florence Crawford, Blackstock Ontario