Dec 6, 1887

Born in Oathlaw, Forfarshire, Scotland to John and Elizabeth (nee Whyte) McKenzie

Jan 26, 1916

Attested into the 155^th Battalion in Madoc, Ontario

Ø      Number 636477

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Elizabeth McKenzie, mother, Darlingford, Manitoba

Ø      Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

The battalion trained in the Barriefield Camp near Kingston, Ontario

Oct 18, 1916

Embarked the SS Northland in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oct 28, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to Bramshott to continue training

Dec 5, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Dec 6, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 147 reinforcements from England and was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Dec 7, 1916

Left the CBD to join his battalion

Dec 8, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Bully Grenay

May 9, 1917

While the battalion was in the front lines near the newly captured Vimy Ridge, they came under a heavy artillery barrage and Private McKenzie received shrapnel wounds to his back and buttocks.  He was removed to the No. 4 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid.  He was then transferred to the No. 12 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment.

May 12, 1917

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Pieter de Coninck

On arrival in England he was admitted to the Horton, County of London, War Hospital, Epsom.

Posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) while in hospital

Aug 24, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Woodcote Park to continue his rehabilitation

Sep 7, 1917

Discharged from hospital and posted to the 6^th Reserve Battalion, Seaford

Dec 21, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Dec 22, 1917

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

Dec 26, 1917

Left the CIBD and joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Centre) in Calonne Ricouart

Jan 1, 1918

Left the CCRC and joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Auchy-au-Bois

Oct 11, 1918

The 21^st Battalion was the right attacking battalion of the 4^th Brigade on the town of Avesnes-le-Sec, on the German Marcoing Line.  The battalion suffered heavy casualties and Private McKenzie was first reported missing, then confirmed to have been killed in action and buried in the Niagara Cemetery, Iwuy, France

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth McKenzie, Darlingford, Manitoba