Sep 18, 1896

Born in Alexandria, Ontario to John Alex and Winifred Ann (nee MacDonald) McMillan

Dec 30, 1915

Attested into the 154^th Battalion in Alexandria, Ontario 

Ø      Number 633080

Ø      Next of kin given as J.A. McMillan, father, Alexandria, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Clerk

o       Formerly employed at the Union Bank in Alexandria

Ø      Previous military experience given as Signals Corporal in the 59^th Stormont and Glengarry Regiment

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

On attestation he gave his birth date as September 18, 1897, but his birth registration shows his birth year as 1896.

The June 1916 pay list shows his rank as Acting Sergeant.  This rank was relinquished prior embarking for England.

Oct 25, 1916

Embarked the HMT Mauretania in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oct 31, 1916

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

Jan 31, 1917

The battalion was absorbed into the newly formed 6^th Reserve Battalion in East Sandling

Apr 21, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 22, 1917

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 3,000 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

May 21, 1917

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the support trenches near Vimy Ridge as part of a draft of 149 reinforcements intended to replace the losses suffered during the taking of the ridge.

Aug 18, 1917

The battalion was part of the successful attack on Hill 70 during the preceding days.  As the battalion was preparing to be relieved from their newly gained position, Private McMillan received shrapnel wounds to his legs, right arm and head.  He was removed to a field ambulance for first aid then transferred to the No. 6 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) at Le Treport for treatment where he was placed on the dangerously ill list.

Aug 22, 1917

After being removed from the dangerously ill list, he was transferred to the No. 22 General Hospital, Dannes Camiers

Sep 2, 1917

Private McMillan died of his wounds while in the No. 22 General Hospital and was buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. J.A.B. McMillan, Alexandria, Ontario

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, J.A. McMillan, at the same address