Jan 15, 1886

Born in Mariposa, Ontario to Kenneth William and Mary Matilda (nee Eakins) Ferguson

Nov 18, 1916

Attested into the 252^nd Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario 

Ø      Number 1087029

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Mary Ferguson, mother, Little Britain, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Carpenter

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist 

The battalion trained in the Lindsay area 

On attesting he gave his birth date as January 12, 1888 to make him appear to be 2 years younger

Nov 25, 1916

Promoted to rank of Sergeant and posted to the Headquarters Section as the Pioneer Sergeant

Jun 2, 1917

The battalion embarked the SS Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Jun 9, 1917

Disembarked in Liverpool and proceeded to Seaford where the entire battalion was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Jun 10, 1917

Reverted to the rank of Private because the 6^th Reserve Battalion had no need for additional Sergeants

Nov 14, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion and joined the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Nov 17, 1917

Left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart

Nov 24, 1917

Left the CC Rein C and joined the 21^st Battalion in the front line near Les Tilleuls

Nov 29, 1917

Attached to the 4^th Field Company, Canadian Engineers for duty 

On this same day, his mother passed away in Canada and his brother, W. Ferguson, was eventually declared to be his next of kin

Dec 11, 1917

Rejoined the 21^st Battalion

May 6, 1918

Appointed to the rank of Acting Lance Corporal with pay to replace A/L/Cpl LeRuez 675719, who had been promoted

Jul 24, 1918

Appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal to replace L/Cpl LeRuez 675719, who had been promoted

Aug 27, 1918

During the battalion’s advance on the Sensee River, L/Cpl Ferguson was killed in action and subsequently buried in the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, west of Haucourt, France.  Note that this is a double grave with James' name listed on the bottom

Following the war the British War Medal and Victory Medals, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his brother, W.E.N. Ferguson, Coldwater, Ontario 

No Memorial Cross was issued