Sep 7, 1892

Born in Madoc, Ontario to Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (nee Donahue) McCarey

Dec 29, 1916

Attested into the 254^th Battalion in Madoc, Ontario

Ø      Number 1093194

Ø      Next of kin given as Samuel McCarey, father, Eldorado, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist

The battalion trained in Belleville, Ontario

Jun 2, 1917

Embarked the RMS Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Jun 9, 1917

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to Seaford where it was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion for additional training

Nov 14, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion and disembarked in France, proceeding to the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, as part of a draft of 12 reinforcements from England.  On arrival he was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Nov 17, 1917

Left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart.

Nov 24, 1917

Left the CC Rein C and joined the 21^st Battalion in the front lines east of Vimy Ridge.

Apr 16, 1918

During a heavy German bombardment while in the front line trenches near Mercatel, France, Private McCarey received severe shrapnel wounds to his face, left arm, hand and both legs.  He was removed first to the field ambulance for first aid then transferred to the casualty clearing station for further treatment.  Because of the severity of the wounds, he was immediately transferred to the No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens, for treatment.

Apr 17, 1918

Private William McCarey died of his wounds at the No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital and was buried in the Doullens Communal Cemetery, Doullens, France

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny shown below) and Scroll were sent to his father, Samuel McCarey, Eldorado, Ontario

The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Samuel McCarey, at the same address.