Mar 16, 1878

Born in Lanark, Ontario to William John and Agnes (nee Sutherland) Essex

Aug 19, 1901

Married to Bridget Farrell in Arnprior, Ontario

Nov 17, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario 

Ø      Number 59304 (temporary number 424)

Ø      Next of kin given as John Essex, Arnprior, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Painter

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Assigned to “D” Company

o       This was later reorganized into “B” Company 

The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

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

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

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

May 23, 1916

Admitted to the 2^nd Canadian Division Rest Station with a diagnosis that reads Acute Appendicitis

May 27, 1916

Discharged to duty from the rest station

Jul 1, 1916

Attached to the 2^nd Division Headquarters for Division Guard Duty

Nov 17, 1916

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Nov 24, 1916

Granted 10 days leave

Feb 20, 1917

SOS (Struck Off Strength) the 21^st Battalion and posted to the 2^nd Division Train and attached to the 2^nd Division Headquarters to be employed as a 1^st Line Driver

Sep 14, 1917

Posted to the 2^nd Division Headquarters and employed as a Heavy Transport Driver

Oct 26, 1917

His wife Bridget, passed away in Renfrew, Ontario from Typhoid Fever, leaving 2 daughters and a son to be cared for by their grandmother

Jan 14, 1918

TOS (Taken On Strength) the CGBD (Canadian Garrison Base Depot) in Etaples

Jan 16, 1918

Embarked for England

Jan 17, 1918

TOS the CASCD (Canadian Army Service Corps Depot) Shorncliffe, pending leave to Canada

Jan 25, 1918

Granted 8 weeks Compassionate Leave to Canada at personal expense

Feb 24, 1918

SOS the CASCD and to be retained in Canada for duty following his leave

Feb 27, 1918

Embarked the SS Corsican

Mar 17, 1918

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotian and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario

Apr 26, 1918

TOS MD #3, Kingston

Jun 1, 1918

TOS #3 Casualty Company Kingston

Jun 30, 1918

TOS 3^rd Battalion, Garrison Regiment in Kingston, Ontario

Aug 27, 1918

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario 

Ø      Rank on discharge Private

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” issued

Ø      Proposed residence on discharge Renfrew, Ontario

Ø      Reason for discharge – Compassionate Grounds 

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal were sent to 471 Queen St. East, Toronto, Ontario

Oct 31, 1918

Married to Elizabeth Kingswell in Kingston, Ontario

Feb 5, 1921

James Essex died at home in Toronto of Endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle and valves.  This was determined to have been caused by his wartime service.  He was buried in the St. John’s Norway Cemetery, Toronto.

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Essex, 471 Queen St. East, Toronto, Ontario