Jul 20, 1893

Born in Woodstock, Ontario to James and Sarah Jane (nee Mason) Edmiston

Oct 5, 1917

Medical examination performed under the MSA (Military Service Act, 1917) in Brantford, Ontario and declared fit for service

Feb 25, 1918

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

Ø      Number 3108133

Ø      Next of kin given as Sarah Edmiston, mother, Woodstock, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Cheese Maker

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Assigned to the 5^th Draft of the 1^st Depot Battalion, 2^nd COR

May 15, 1918

The 5^th Draft embarked the SS Ajana in Halifax, Nova Scotia

May 27, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Witley where the draft was absorbed into the 3^rd Reserve Battalion to continue training

Sep 12, 1918

Transferred to the 19^th Battalion

Sep 13, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 19^th Battalion

Sep 16, 1918

Left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast

Sep 21, 1918

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion and left the CC Rein C to join the battalion

Sep 22, 1918

Joined the 21^st Battalion in Brigade Support in the Buissy Switch Line and TOS (Taken On Strength)

Oct 11, 1918

Less than 1 month after joining the 21^st Battalion and exactly 1 month before the Armistice was signed, the battalion was making an advance on Avesnes le Sec, which the Germans defended with tanks.  The battalion suffered many losses, including Private William Edmiston, who was killed in that action.  He was buried in the Niagara British Cemetery, north-east of Cambrai, France.

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Sarah J. Edmiston, 65 Reeve St., Woodstock, Ontario