William David Downey


Jul 14, 1897

Born in Toronto, Ontario to Robert and Caroline “Carrie” (nee McKeand) Downey

 

Oct 15, 1917

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

 

Feb 20, 1918

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

Ø  Number 3107853

Ø  Next of kin given as Robert David Downey, father, 145 Gore Vale Ave., Toronto, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Cutter

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Posted to the 25th Regimental Draft

 

May 15, 1918

the 25th Regimental Draft embarked the SS Ajana in Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

 

May 27, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Witley and was Taken On Strength of the 3rd Reserve Battalion to continue training

 

Sep 12, 1918

Transferred to the 19th Battalion

 

Sep 13, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Havre, France and was Taken On Strength of the 19th Battalion.  He was quickly moved on to the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast, France

 

Sep 21, 1918

Transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Sep 22, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Downey joined the 21st Battalion in the support line on the Arras – Cambrai Road, just west of the Canal du Nord and was posted to “D” Company

 

Dec 13, 1918

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

 

 

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the Western Australia in Havre, France

 

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

 

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 277355

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge, Toronto, Ontario

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 145 Gore Vale Ave., Toronto, Ontario

 

Jun 7, 1924

Married to Lillian Mahala Tester in Toronto, Ontario

 

Sep 25, 1967

William David Downey died while a patient of the St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario and was buried in Prospect Cemetery in Toronto

 

 

 


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