Nov 1, 1896

Born in Pokeshaw, New Brunswick to Robert and Mary Jane (nee O’Hern) Cushing

Jul 26, 1915

Attested into the 55^th Battalion in Valcartier, Quebec 

Ø      Number 445233

Ø      Next of kin given as Robert Cushing, father, Pokeshaw, New Brunswick

Ø      Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “C” Company 

He attested as Frank Thomas Cushing 

The battalion trained in the Valcartier Camp until their departure for England

Oct 25, 1915

Sentenced to 5 days detention.  The offence that prompted this punishment is not recorded in the file

Oct 30, 1915

Embarked the SS Corsican in Montreal, Quebec

Nov 9, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England.  On arrival in England the battalion was designated as a Reserve Battalion in order to supply reinforcements to the front

Apr 23, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 24, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 853 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st battalion

May 13, 1916

Left the CBD as part of a draft of 18 reinforcements to join the Battalion

May 15, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion as it moved into the “B” Camp near La Clytte, Belgium

Sep 15, 1916

As part of the Somme Offensive, the 21^st Battalion was given the task of taking a German strong point in a sugar refinery at Courcellete and the attack began early on the morning of the 15^th.  Private Cushing went missing during this attack and his body was never recovered from the battlefield. 

As a result of not having a known grave, he is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Ridge Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France.

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. R. Cushing, Pokeshaw, Gloucester County, New Brunswick.

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Robert Cushing, at the same address