Aug 19, 1896

Born in Gunningsville, New Brunswick to Jerome James and Lillian (nee Goldrup) Crossman

May 14, 1915

Attested into the 55^th Battalion at Sussex New Brunswick

Ø  Number 444345 (initially the number was A44345 but the “A” was later changed to “4”)

Ø  Next of kin given as Lillian Crossman (mother) of Gunningsville, Albert County, New Brunswick

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

o   Later noted as Locomotive Fireman

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Baptist

Ø  Assigned to the Signals Section

Jun 15, 1915

The Battalion moved to Valcartier Quebec

Oct 30, 1915

Embarked the SS Corsican at Montreal Quebec

Nov 9, 1915

Disembarked at Devonport England and proceeded to the Bramshott Camp

Mar 22, 1916

Admitted to the Military Hospital at Shorncliffe diagnosed with a case of Gonorrhea

Mar 27, 1916

Transferred to the Cherryhinton Hospital at Cambridge

Apr 7, 1916

Posted to the 39^th Reserve Battalion at the West Sandling Camp and assigned to the Signals Section, all while remaining in hospital

Jun 22, 1916

Discharged to duty from hospital

Oct 26, 1916

Admitted to the Military Hospital at Shorncliffe with a diagnosis of VDS (Venereal Disease Syphilis)

Oct 29, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Hospital at Etchinghill

Nov 24, 1916

Sentenced to 14 days FP #2 (Field Punishment).  The offence is not recorded

Nov 27, 1916

Discharged from hospital to serve his punishment

Jan 4, 1917

Posted to the 6^th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling

The Battalion later moved to Seaford to train reinforcements for the front

Feb 28, 1917

Admitted to the Cherryington Military Hospital at Etchinghill with a diagnosis of VDG (Gonorrhea)

Mar 25, 1917

Transferred to the Military Hospital at Shorncliffe

Mar 27, 1917

Transferred back to the Military Hospital at Etchinghill

May 9, 1917

Discharged to duty from hospital

Nov 14, 1917

Posted to the 21^st Battalion

Arrived at No 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in France and TOS the 21^st Battalion

Nov 17, 1917

Arrived at CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp)

Dec 5, 1917

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the field in billets in the Suburban Camp near Villers au Bois, France carrying out training exercises

Jul 7, 1918

Appointed to rank of Lance Corporal to replace L/C Dickinson 445702, who had been promoted

Aug 10, 1918

Promoted to rank of Corporal to replace Cpl Belton 412086 who had been invalided to England

Oct 11, 1918

Received shrapnel wound to left hand and admitted to No 9 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance)

He was transferred the same day to the CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

Oct 16, 1918

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Ville de Liege

Admitted to the Military Hospital at Edmonton, London England

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

Dec 5, 1918

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital at Epsom

Dec 23, 1918

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

Feb 11, 1919

Awarded the Military Medal per London Gazette #31173

Posted to the Canadian Records Office in London England

Jun 25, 1919

Reprimanded and forfeits 1 day’s pay for being AWL (Absent Without Leave) for 5 ½ hours

Jul 4, 1919

Reprimanded for being “Late on parade”

Sep 12, 1919

Embarked the SS Regina at Liverpool

Sep 19, 1919

Disembarked at Halifax Nova Scotia and proceeded to St John New Brunswick

Sep 22, 1919

Discharged from the CEF at St John New Brunswick

Ø  Rank on discharge Corporal

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 78609

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge 462 Robinson St., Moncton, New Brunswick

Harold Crossman served an additional year in the Lord Strathcona Horse Regiment, Canadian Militia

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 426 Robinson St, Moncton New Brunswick

Although I could find no Canada Gazette entry, it would appear that he was presented with the French Croix de Guerre medal and wore it proudly

Nov 30, 1921

Married Nina Coates, in Moncton New Brunswick

Occupation on marriage registration form was given as CNR Engineer

It is interesting to note that he gave his address as 462 Robinson St, Moncton New Brunswick, while his bride’s address was given as 454 Robinson St, Moncton.  It would appear from the address below, they settled very close to both of their parents

Upon the completion of his last run as a CNR Engineer, Harold Crossman
is congratulated on his retirement by the Vice President of CNR, Mr. D.V. Gonder

Sep 24, 1973

Harold Vernon Crossman MM died and was buried at the Elmwood Cemetery, Moncton New Brunswick