Oct 28, 1892

Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia to Angus and Victoria (nee Fortune) McKinnon

Charles signed his military documents with the Mc spelling, however, it is evident that some family members used the Mac spelling

Nov 10, 1917

Medical exam for the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 held at North Sydney, Nova Scotia

Mar 13, 1918

Conscripted into the 1^st Depot Battalion, NSR (Nova Scotia Regiment) under the MSA in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø  Number 3180915

Ø  Next of kin given as Angus R. McKinnon, father, 156 Guy St., Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia

Ø  Previous occupation given as Miner

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Posted to the 1^st Regimental Draft

Apr 7, 1918

Part of the 1^st Regimental Draft embarked the SS Metagama in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Apr 19, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and transferred to the 17^th Reserve Battalion.  The draft proceeded to the Segregation Camp, Frensham Pond, Bramshott to ensure there were no cases of Influenza in the group

May 29, 1918

Released from the segregation camp and joined the 17^th Reserve Battalion in Bramshott

Sep 19, 1918

Transferred to the 85^th Battalion

Sep 21, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and Taken On Strength of the 85^th Battalion

Sep 25, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast, France

Sep 30, 1918

While still at the reinforcement camp, and before he could join the 85^th Battalion at the front, he was transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Oct 3, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private McKinnon joined the 21^st Battalion on the approach to the Hindenburg Line, west of Cambrai, France as part of a draft of 156 reinforcements and was posted to “C” Company.  

Dec 13, 1918

The 21^st Battalion led the 2^nd Canadian Division across the Bonn Bridge to enter Germany as part of the Occupying Force and proceeded to Sieburg

Apr 3, 1919

Transferred to the Canadian Records List and posted to the 25^th Battalion in Auvelais, Belgium for the purpose of returning to Canada

Apr 8, 1919

Embarked the SS Prince George in Havre, France

On arrival in England, he was attached to “J” Wing in Witley pending return to Canada

May 10, 1919

Embarked the SS Olympic in Southampton

May 16, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Taken On Strength of Military District No. 6 Depot

May 25, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 218096

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 155 Guy St., Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia

Feb 10, 1920

Married to Mary Ellen Waye in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia

Jan 25, 1959

Charles McKinnon died at home in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia of Pulmonary Oedema and was buried in the Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Sydney Mines