James Darling


Jan 23, 1897

Born in Merritton, Ontario to James and Elizabeth (nee McCullough) Darling

 

Oct 1, 1917

Medical exam for the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 held at St. Catharines, Ontario

 

Mar 18, 1918

2nd medical exam for the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 held at Hamilton, Ontario

Conscripted into the 1st Depot Battalion, 2nd COR (Central Ontario Regiment) under the MSA

      Ø  Number 3108378

Ø  Next of kin given as James Darling, father, Box 157 Merritton, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Blacksmith

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Posted to the 30th Draft

Jun 3, 1918

Half of the 30th Regimental Draft embarked the SS Atreus in Montreal, Quebec

 

 

Jun 21, 1918

Disembarked in London, England and proceeded to Witley where the draft was absorbed into the 8th Reserve Battalion to continue training

 

Sep 25, 1918

Transferred to the 54th Battalion

 

Sep 27, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and Taken On Strength of the 54th Battalion

 

Sep 28, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast, France

 

Sep 29, 1918

Transferred to the 21st Battalion while still at the reinforcement camp and before he could join the 54th Battalion at the front

 

Oct 2, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Darling joined the 21st Battalion in the support line west of Cambrai, France and was posted to “A” Company

 

Dec 13, 1918

The 21st Battalion led the 2nd Division across the Bonn Bridge to enter Germany as part of the Occupying Force

 

 

Dec 18, 1918

Attached to the 2nd Canadian Division for Guard Duty

 

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the Western Australia in Havre, France with the 21st Battalion

 

On arrival in England, he was attached to “P” Wing in Witley pending return to Canada

 

Apr 16, 1919

Reported to be absent

 

Apr 20, 1919

Reported for duty from being absent

 

Apr 25, 1919

Forfeited a total of 14 day’s pay for being absent 3+ days

 

May 14, 1919

Embarked the SS Caronia in Liverpool

 

 

May 22, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario by train

 

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 279849

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Box 157 Merritton, Ontario

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 619 West Park Ave., Champaign, Illinois, USA

 

Feb 11, 1920

Married to Emily Irene Bell in St. Catharines, Ontario

 

Dec 9, 1956

James Darling died and was buried in the Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines, Ontario

 

 


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