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Jun 12, 1890
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Born at Lonsdale
Ontario
He
lied about his age on being sworn into the CEF, claiming his birth date as being June 17,
1899. The only reason I can see for this
deception is to make him too young to enlist. Unfortunately,
the rouse did not work, as noted below, he was drafted into the service anyway
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Oct 15, 1917
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Medical
performed under the MSA (Military Service Act) at Swift Current Saskatchewan, in
preparation of being drafted into the CEF
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Jan 11, 1918
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Sworn into the 1st
Depot Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment, CEF at Kingston Ontario as a draftee under the
Military Service Act of 1917.
Ø Number 4020966
Ø Next of kin given as Bartholomew O’Connor (father) of Lonsdale
Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Steele Construction Iron Work
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Roman Catholic
There is a
hand written note on the page that says “Not avail for draft 17-6-1918”. However it is clear that this was ignored.
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Jan 22, 1918
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Embarked the HMT
Scotian at St John New Brunswick
Note that the
ship did not sail until January 27th. It
should also be noted that the ship was later renamed SS President Lincoln
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Feb 6, 1918
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Disembarked at
Liverpool England and proceeded to the Seaford Camp
TOS (Taken On
Strength) the 7th Reserve Battalion at Seaford
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Feb 15, 1918
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Posted to the 6th
Reserve Battalion at Seaford
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Apr 25, 1918
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Will made out
leaving his estate to his father, Bartholomew O’Connor, at Lonsdale Ontario
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Aug 9, 1918
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Posted to the 21st
Battalion
Arrived at
the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) Havre France and TOS the 21st Battalion
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Aug 15, 1918
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Joined the 21st
Battalion with a draft of 48 Other Ranks
The 21st Battalion was in the front line trenches involved
in some heavy fighting. He joined the rear
Echelon of the Battalion, which was at Cagny, behind the lines. The Battalion was relieved from the front lines
and joined up with the rear party on August 17th at Guillaucourt. At that time he would have been assigned to one of
the 4 Companies.
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Oct 11, 1918 Killed
in Action
Niagara Cemetery
Iwuy France
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From the 21st
Battalion War Diary for October 11, 1918
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Jun 9, 1922
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Beginning on
this date, and on subsequent dates, the following were sent to his father, Bartholomew
O’Connor at RR #1 Lonsdale Ontario
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny)
Scroll
In addition,
the Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs B. O’Connor, at the same address
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Below is his home town of
Lonsdale Ontario circa 1900
Below are his parents Barotholomew and Mary O'Connor
James was one of 11 siblings and below is a photo of his
brother Eric (on left), his sister Caroline, a Nun, and another brother Ernest
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