James Lewis

Jul 29, 1892

Born in Toronto, Ontario

 

Jun 6, 1916

Attested into the 109th Battalion CEF in Minden, Ontario

Ø  Number 724303

Ø  Next of kin given as Charles Lewis, father, Minden, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Presbyterian

 
It is interesting to note that his medical examination did not take place until after he reached England, in the Oxney Camp, Bordon, England

 

Jul 23, 1916

Embarked the SS Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

  

Jul 31, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to the Bordon Camp, near Longmoor, Hampshire

 

Aug 16, 1916

The battalion moved to Bramshott to continue training

 

Aug 26, 1916

Admitted to the Wokingham Hospital with a diagnosis that reads Adenoids and Tonsillitis

 

Oct 5, 1916

Transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Oct 6, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 917 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion

 

Oct 22, 1916

After leaving the base depot Private Lewis joined the 21st Battalion in billets in Ourton, France and was assigned to “B” Company

 

Jan 17, 1917

During a trench raid at Calonne, France conducted by the 21st Battalion, Private Lewis received a wound to his right shoulder from a shell fragment.  He was evacuated to the nearby field ambulance for first aid

 

Jan 18, 1917

Transferred to the No. 22 General Hospital in Camiers for surgery to remove the shell fragments

 

Jan 30, 1917

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Formosa

 

 

On arrival in England he was admitted to the Southwark Military Hospital in East Dulwich, London

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

 

Mar 10, 1917

Posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while Hospital

 

Mar 20, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bromley

 

Apr 17, 1917

Transferred to the Convalescent Hospital in Epsom

 

May 19, 1917

Discharged to duty with the 6th Reserve Battalion in Seaford

 

Sep 12, 1917

Transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Sep 13, 1917

Arrived at the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 42 reinforcements from England and TOS the 21st Battalion

 

Sep 27, 1917

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Villers au Bois, France

 

Dec 14, 1917

After leaving the reinforcement camp he joined the 21st Battalion in the front line trench east of Neuville St Vaast

 

Mar 18, 1918

Admitted to the No. 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads Impetigo and Scabies

 

Mar 19, 1918

Transferred to the No. 1 CFA

 

Mar 27, 1918

Transferred to the Corps Rest Station at No. 12 CFA

 

Mar 29, 1918

Transferred to the No. 11 CFA

 

Apr 27, 1918

Transferred to the No. 57 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

 

May 15, 1918

Discharged to duty from hospital

 

Jun 6, 1918

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

 

Aug 26, 1918

While the battalion was advancing on the town of Monchy-le-Preux, France, Private James Lewis was instantly killed by enemy machine gun fire.  He was later buried in the Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux

 

 
Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Charles Lewis, Minden, Ontario

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Charles Lewis, at the same address

 

James Lewis is honoured at the entrance to his hometown cemetery in Minden as well as on the war memorial at the local Legion

 

 

 


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