Sep 12, 1887

Born in Centerville, Ontario to Thomas and Emma Fleming

Mar 8, 1915

Shown on the payroll of the 57^th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers, Canadian Militia

Mar 11, 1915

Attested into the 39^th Battalion CEF in Peterborough, Ontario 

Ø      Number 412461

Ø      Next of kin given as Thomas Fleming, father, 261 McDonnel St., Peterborough, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Carpenter

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Assigned to “D” Company 

On attesting he gave his name as William and his birth date as September 12, 1886 and stated that he had been born in Peterborough 

The battalion trained in the Belleville, Ontario area

Jun 10, 1915

Admitted to the Belleville Hospital with an infected eye

Jun 13, 1915

Discharged to duty from hospital

Jun 17, 1915

Embarked the SS Missanabie in Montreal, Quebec

Jul 4, 1915

Disembarked in Plymouth, England and proceeded to Shorncliffe and then on to Lydd to continue training

Sep 24, 1915

The 39^th Battalion moved to West Sandling to continue training

Jun 6, 1916

Posted to the 21^st Battalion

Jun 7, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Jun 10, 1916

After leaving the CBD, he joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Dickiebush, Belgium.  That same night, the battalion proceeded to the number 33 to 38 front line trenches near Hill 60

Jun 14, 1916

After only being with the battalion for 4 days, Private Fleming was killed during an exchange of artillery fire between allied and German forces.  Several allied rounds fell short and caused many casualties in the 21^st Battalion.  It is unclear if William Fleming was killed by an allied or a German shell.  He was buried the following day with a service conducted by the 4^th Brigade Chaplain, Rev. Capt. W.E. Kidd MC in the Bedford House Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Mr. Thomas Fleming, 261 McDonnel St., Peterborough, Ontario 

There was no Memorial Cross issued