Jul 13, 1897

Born in Pakenham, Ontario to Archibald Joseph and Isabella (nee Moore) Kean

Nov 7, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

Ø      Number 59533 (temporary number 884)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mary Kean, sister, Almonte, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Book Keeper

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “H” Company

o       This was later reorganized into “D” Company 

He lied about his age on Attestation, giving his birth date as July 13, 1895. 

The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter of 1914-15

On November 21, 1914 the photo of "H" Company was taken

 
Courtesy of the PWOR Archives

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 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

Sep 12, 1916

The 21^st Battalion was in the reserve trenches near Poziéres, France preparing for an attack on a German strong point in a sugar refinery.  While out on a work party preparing the front line trench, at the age of 19 years and 2 months, Private Kean was killed at 11:50 pm when an artillery shell exploded close by.    He was subsequently buried in the recently created Sunken Road Cemetery.  

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his brother, James J. Kean, 145 E. South St., Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA.

There was no Memorial Cross issued