Oct 31, 1894

Born in Oban, Richmond County, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to John and Flora McPhail

Apr 11, 1918

Attested into the 1^st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment CEF in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø  Number 3202055

Ø  Next of kin given as Florence McPhail, mother, Oban, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Ø  Previous occupation given as Carpenter

Ø  Previous military experience given as 66^th Regiment for 2 years

Ø  Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø  Posted to the 6^th Regimental Draft

May 16, 1918

Embarked the SS Valacia in Halifax, Nova Scotia

May 27, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Bramshott and placed in the Segregation Camp at Frensham Pond to ensure there were no cases of Influenza in the group. 

Transferred to the 17^th Reserve Battalion

Jun 25, 1918

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

Sep 11, 1918

Transferred to the 85^th Battalion

Sep 13, 1918

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

Sep 16, 1918

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

Sep 19, 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

Sep 20, 1918

After leaving the base depot, Private McPhail joined the 21^st Battalion at front on the Arras – Cambrai Road at Canal du Nord and was posted to “D” 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 Siegburg

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the Western Australia in Havre, France

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

May 14, 1919

Embarked the SS Caronia in Liverpool

May 22, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario by train

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 279733

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Oban, Nova Scotia

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at Oban, Nova Scotia

Mar 15, 1929

Entered the USA at Vanceboro, Maine on his way to Boston, Massachusetts to join his cousin

Sep 26, 1938

Married to Marjorie Lucille Keenan in Augusta, Maine

Nov 4, 1981

John Hector McPhail died in Allston, Massachusetts and was buried in the Bien Venue Cemetery, Augusta, Maine, USA