Nov 10, 1887

Born in Ottawa, Ontario to John Finley and Rose (nee Rooney) Kennedy

Nov 7, 1917

Medical examination held under the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 in Ottawa, Ontario

Jan 11, 1918

Conscripted into the 1^st Depot Battalion, EOR (Eastern Ontario Regiment) under the MSA in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Number 3056019

o   His number had been originally recorded as 4021019, but later changed to 3056019

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. Rose Kennedy, mother, 125 Turner St., Ottawa, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Fireman

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Assigned to the depot’s 3^rd Regimental Draft

 
When he was sworn in he stated that his father was not alive and that he was the sole support for his mother

Feb 21, 1918

The 3^rd Regimental Draft embarked the SS Melita in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Mar 4, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Seaford where the draft was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Aug 9, 1918

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

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

Aug 15, 1918

After leaving the base depot, Private Kennedy joined the 21^st Battalion in Brigade Reserve, west of Fouquescourt, France

Oct 11, 1918

While the 21^st Battalion was advancing on the town of Avesnes-le-Sec the enemy opened up with an artillery barrage of both high explosive and gas shells.  Private Kennedy was overcome by the gas and was evacuated to the No. 9 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid.

Oct 12, 1918

Transferred to the No. 1 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment

Oct 13, 1918

Transferred via the No. 146 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 18 Canadian General Hospital in Camiers for further treatment

Oct 23, 1918

Transferred to the No. 6 Convalescent Depot in Etaples to continue his recovery

Oct 25, 1918

Transferred to the No. 12 Convalescent Depot in Aubengue for additional treatment

Nov 3, 1918

Transferred to the No. 5 Rest Camp

Nov 5, 1918

Discharged from medical care and arrived at the base depot in Etaples and posted to “A” Company for those recovering from wounds and illness

Nov 11, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp).  Coincidentally, this was the day that the war ended

Nov 14, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Kennedy rejoined the 21^st Battalion in Mesvin, south of Mons, Belgium

Nov 23, 1918

Sentenced to 21 days Field Punishment No. 1 for being found drunk 2 days earlier

Dec 13, 1918

The 21^st Battalion crossed the Bonn Bridge and proceeded to Seigburg, Germany as part of the occupying force to keep the peace.

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the SS Western Australia in Havre

 
On disembarking in England, the battalion proceeded to Witley to prepare for their return to Canada

May 14, 1919

Embarked the SS Caronia in Liverpool

May 22, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded by train to Kingston, Ontario

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 277500

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Ottawa, Ontario

 
Following the war, the British War Medal (shown below) and Victory Medals were sent to him at 125 Turner St., Ottawa, Ontario.

 

If you know the location of the missing Victory Medal
please contact the webmaster

Nov 18, 1939

John Francis Kennedy died in Ottawa, Ontario and was buried in the Notre Dame Cemetery there

The Ottawa Citizen
November 21, 1939