Sep 20, 1857

Born at Kingston Ontario

Nov 19, 1884

Married to Amy Strange at Kingston Ontario 

This was the same year that he graduated from Queen’s University as a Physician.  Although not noted in the file, at some point he became a member of the Army Medical Corps and was appointed to the position of Medical Officer to Military District 3 at Kingston

Dec 19, 1914

Noted as Surgeon to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 1, 1915

Shown on payroll of the 21^st Battalion with rank of Lieutenant Colonel

Apr 21, 1915

Admitted to the Kingston General Hospital with the diagnosis reading severe cold.  This was later changed to read Pneumonia 

The 21^st Battalion sailed for England on May 6, 1915 and L/Col Duff was still in hospital.  Upon his release from hospital, he joined the Expeditionary Force as a Physician

Jul 3, 1915

Attested into the CEF CAMC (Canadian Army Medical Corps) with the rank of Lieut- Col 

Ø      Next of kin given as John M Duff (son) c/o the Bank of Commerce, Winnipeg Manitoba

o       Wife’s name is given Mrs Amy E Duff of 480 Princess St Kingston Ontario

Ø      Occupation given as Officer PAMC (Permanent Army Medical Corps) Physician

Ø      Previous military experience given as 14^th Regiment for 2 years, 4^th Hussars and the PAMC (Permanent Army Medical Corps)

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Jul 21, 1915

Embarked the RMS Corsican at Montreal

Aug 3, 1915

Disembarked at Glasgow Scotland and proceeded to the CAMC Depot at Shorncliffe

Aug 13, 1915

TOS (Taken On Strength) the No 5 Stationary Hospital, but placed On Command the CAMC Depot as the hospital had left England for Egypt

Oct 12, 1915

Embarked for Egypt 

Disembarkation date in Egypt is not noted in the file, but he proceeded to the No 5 Stationary Hospital at Abbassich Barracks, near Cairo for duty

Feb 4, 1916

Admitted to the Anglo American Hospital at Cairo as a patient with a diagnosis of Pneumonia and noted as dangerously ill

Feb 8, 1916          Died of Pneumonia at the Anglo American Hospital

The original cross erected at the Cairo British Cemetery, Cairo Egypt above, while below is the permanent granite Marker.  Both photos are courtesy of Peter Gower

Jun 21, 1916

Mentioned in Despatches in London Gazette #29632

Jul 9, 1920

Beginning on this date the following were sent to his widow Mrs Amelia Eliza Duff, at 468 Princess St, Kingston Ontario 

Ø      Death Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny)

Ø      Scroll

Ø      Memorial Cross 

There was no Memorial Cross for his mother as she had pre-deceased him

Feb 10, 1923

The 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals sent to his widow