John Harper


Aug 10, 1891

Born in Ballywalter, County Down, Ireland to David and Mary Ann “Ellen” (nee White) Harper

 

Feb 22, 1915

Attested into the 21st Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario

 

Ø  Number 59423 (temporary number 1366)

Ø  Next of kin given as David Harper, father, Ballywalter, County Down, Ireland

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø  Posted to the Depot Company

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

File notes that he was not actually TOS (Taken On Strength) until May 6, 1915

 

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

 

Jun 18, 1915

Assigned for duty in the Officer’s Mess

 

Sep 2, 1915

Posted to “C” Company

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

 

 

Sep 15, 1915

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

 

May 8, 1916

Granted 9 days leave

 

May 17, 1916

Rejoined the battalion from leave

 

Jun 9, 1916

While the battalion was resting in Dickebusch, Belgium, John Harper accidentally fractured his left Fibula and was admitted to the No. 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid before being transported to the No. 4 Canadian Field Ambulance.  He was then transported to the No. 10 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

 

Jun 10, 1916

Transferred via the No. 10 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne, France

 

Jul 18, 1916

Transferred to the No. 1 Convalescent Depot to continue his recovery

 

Jul 23, 1916

Discharged from hospital care and transferred to the Base Details in Boulogne

 

Jul 27, 1916

Transferred to the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre and poste to “A” Company for those recovering from wounds and illness

 

Aug 8, 1916

After leaving the base depot, he joined the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion in the Halifax Camp near Brandhoek, Belgium

 

Sep 3, 1916

After leaving the entrenching battalion, John Harper rejoined the 21st Battalion conducting training at Zouafques, France

 

Sep 17, 1916

During heavy fighting on the Somme south of Courcelette, France, Private Harper received a bullet wound to his forehead and right ear.  After receiving first aid, he was transferred to the No. 10 General Hospital for treatment before being invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Aberdonian

 

On arrival in England he was admitted to the No. 1 Western Hospital in Fazakerley, Liverpool

Transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) for pay purposes while in hospital

 

Dec 14, 1916

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Woodcote Park, Epsom and DAH (Disordered Activity of the Heart) was added to the diagnosis

 

Feb 7, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bearwood, Wokingham

 

Mar 10, 1917

Transferred to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposed while in hospital

 

Apr 9, 1917

Attached to the 3rd CCD (Canadian Command Depot) while in hospital

 

May 11, 1917

Transferred to the King’s Canadian Red Cross Hospital in Bushy Park with a diagnosis that reads Disordered Activity of the Heart

 

May 24, 1917

Medical Board at Bushey Park, Hampton Hill notes

Ø  Disability noted as Disordered Activity of the Heart

Ø  Suffers from dizziness on exertion

Ø  Board recommends he is fit for light duties only

 

May 30, 1917

Discharged from hospital and granted 10 days sick leave

 

Jun 9, 1917

Detailed to the Depot Company in Seaford

 

Jun 11, 1917

Attached to the No. 10 Canadian Stationary Hospital in Eastbourne for duty

 

Sep 26, 1917

Transferred to the CAMC RD (Canadian Army Medical Corps Regimental Depot) in Westenhanger and attached to the No. 14 Canadian General Hospital for duty

 

Oct 17, 1917

Posted to the No. 14 Canadian General Hospital in Eastbourne for duty

 

Feb 6, 1919

Granted permission to marry

Next of kin was later changed to read Mrs. Mary Agnes Harper, 5 Cavendish Garage, Compton St., Eastbourne, Sussex

 

Aug 19, 1919

Transferred to the CAMC CC

 

Aug 25, 1919

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

 

Sep 1, 1919

Embarked the SS Canada in Liverpool

 

 

Sep 13, 1919

Disembarked in Quebec City, Quebec and Taken On Strength Quebec Depot Clearing Services Command

 

Sep 18, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Quebec City, Quebec

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 322744

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge General Post Office, Toronto, Ontario

Following his discharge, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 216 3rd Ave. W., Calgary, Alberta

Post war John Harper worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a Carman in Calgary.

 

May 26, 1930

John Harper died at home in Calgary, Alberta and was buried in the Burnsland Cemetery, Calgary

 

 


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