Harry Edwards


Jun 16, 1880

Born in London, England

 

Oct 24, 1914

Attested into the 21st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

 

Ø  Number 59291 (temporary number 174)

Ø  Next of kin given as RW Edwards, brother, 30 Ashdown Rd., Kentish, London, England

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farm Hand

Ø  Previous military experience given as 4 years in the 7th Rifle Brigade, Militia

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Posted to “B” Company

o   This was later reorganized into “A” Company

The 21st Battalion trained in the Kingston, Ontario area through the winter of 1914-15.

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

 

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

 

May 24, 1915

Reported to be AWL (Absent Without Leave)

 

May 30, 1915

Reported for duty

 

May 31, 1915

Sentenced to 28 days detention and forfeited 6 day’s pay for being improperly dressed, having beer in his possession and for being absent

 

Aug 28, 1915

Reported to be Absent Without Leave

 

Sep 7, 1915

Reported for duty and sentenced to 14 days detention and forfeited 11 day’s pay for his absence

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

 

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

 

Sep 28, 1915

Attached to the Bath Brigade for duty

 

Jan 15, 1916

Rejoined the battalion from the bath brigade

 

Jan 29, 1916

Sentenced to 5 days Field Punishment #1 and loss of 2 day’s pay for Insolence and being absent from duty.

 

Dec 19, 1916

Granted 10 days leave of absence

 

Dec 31, 1916

Rejoined the battalion from leave

 

Aug 31, 1917

Granted 10 days leave

 

Sep 11, 1917

Rejoined the battalion from leave

 

Oct 14, 1917

Proceeded to the CGBD (Canadian Garrison Base Depot) for medical classification

 

Oct 16, 1917

Joined the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France

 

Oct 26, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Labour Pool

 

Nov 1, 1917

Medical Board had his Classification changed to B3, meaning he was only capable of sedentary employment such as a clerk

 

Nov 9, 1917

Proceeded to England and transferred to the Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot in Seaford

 

Dec 19, 1917

Medical Board in Seaford notes

Ø  Patient described as “War Worn”

Ø  Complains of shortness of breath and pains in his chest

Ø  Does not sleep well

Ø  Board concludes he is not likely to improve

 

Jan 12, 1918

Attached to the CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) in Buxton pending return to Canada

 

Jan 19, 1918

Embarked the SS Saxonia in Liverpool

 

 

Feb 7, 1918

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Toronto, Ontario.  On arrival in Toronto he was Taken On Strength Military District #2 Toronto and posted to the Casualty Company

 

Feb 26, 1918

Medical Board at the Ravina Barracks, Toronto notes

Ø  Patient suffers from Arterior Sclerosis with Myo Cardio loss of tone

Ø  Also suffers from loss of hearing

Ø  Is easily startled and complains of heart palpations

Ø  Suffered from spells of deafness following colds prior to enlistment

Ø  Incapacity is directly due to partial loss of function of cardio vascular system and partial loss of hearing

Ø  Board recommends he be discharged from the military as physically unfit

 

Mar 9, 1918

Discharged from the CEF in Toronto, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued

Ø  War Service Badge Class “B” issued

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Macville, Ontario

Following the end of the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at the Soldier’s Reception Hospital, London, Ontario

 

Jun 12, 1948

Private Harry Edwards died while a patient at the Christie Street Orthopedic Hospital in Toronto and was buried in Prospect Cemetery in Toronto

 

 


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