Dec 28, 1890

Born in Greenwood, Ontario to David and Jane Elizabeth (nee Wilson) Patterson

Mar 9, 1912

His father, David Patterson, died in Westmeath, Ontario

Aug 12, 1915

Attested into the 77^th Battalion CEF in Smiths Falls, Ontario

Ø  Number 144657

Ø  Next of kin given as Jane Patterson, widowed mother, RR #2, Greenwood, Ontario

o   There is a note to also notify Miss Maggie Patterson, sister, RR #2 Pembroke, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

Ø  Assigned to the battalion’s 1^st Draft

Aug 22, 1915

Admitted to the Rockcliffe Camp Hospital with diagnosis that reads Infected Arm

Sep 11, 1915

Discharged to duty from hospital

Oct 23, 1915

The battalion’s 1^st Reinforcing Draft embarked the SS California in Quebec, City, Quebec

Oct 31, 1915

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Shorncliffe where the draft was absorbed into the 12^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Mar 15, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Mar 16, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 1,288 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Mar 21, 1916

After leaving the base depot, Private Patterson joined the 21^st Battalion in the N & O trenches near Voormezeele, Belgium

Oct 4, 1916

While in the front line trench system near Bouzencourt, France, Private Patterson received a shrapnel wound to his left thigh and was evacuated to the No. 4 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid.  He was then transferred the same day to the 2^nd Division Rest Station at No. 10 CFA, near Warloy to recover

Dec 20, 1916

Following his recovery, he rejoined the 21^st Battalion in Brigade Reserve near Calonne-Ricouart, France

Dec 29, 1916

Just 9 days after rejoining the battalion, James Samuel Patterson was first reported missing in action, but later determined to have been killed in action while out on a working party near Bully Grenay.  His body was never recovered from the battlefield and his name is honoured on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France for those killed during WW1 and have no known grave.

  
Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Jane Patterson, RR #2, Pembroke, Ontario

James Patterson is also honoured on the
Pembroke, Ontario War Memorial