Nov 11, 1896

Born in Trenton, Ontario to William and Josephine Pickell

May 8, 1915

Attested into the 39^th Battalion CEF in Belleville, Ontario

Ø  Number 413027

Ø  Next of kin given as Josephine Pickell, mother, 319 ½ Church St., Belleville, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø  Previous military experience given as 2 years in the 49^th Regiment, Canadian Militia

Ø  Religion given as Baptist

Ø  Assigned to “D” Company

 
The battalion trained in the Belleville, Ontario area

 
Isaac’s brother, Clayton Pickell, had enlisted into the 39^th Battalion the previous February

Jun 17, 1915

Embarked the SS Missanabie in Montreal, Quebec

Jul 3, 1915

Disembarked in Plymouth, England and proceeded to Shorncliffe and then on to Lydd to continue training

Sep 4, 1915

Admitted to the Shorncliffe Military Hospital with a diagnosis that reads Laryngitis and Bronchitis

Sep 8, 1915

Transferred to the Quex Park VAD (Volunteer Aid Detachment) Hospital, Birchington

Sep 24, 1915

The 39^th Battalion moved to West Sandling to continue training

Oct 7, 1915

Discharged to duty from hospital

Oct 26, 1915

Isaac’s brother Clayton, was transferred to the 2^nd Battalion and proceeded to France

Dec 13, 1915

Isaac was transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Dec 14, 1915

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a group of 306 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Dec 25, 1915

Joined the 21^st Battalion resting in Brigade Reserve in Ridgewood, Belgium

Jan 7, 1916

Attached to the 250^th Tunnelling Company for duty

Apr 10, 1916

Attached to the 2^nd Canadian Tunnelling Company for duty

May 3, 1916

Sentenced to 14 days Field Punishment #1 for refusing duty, insubordination and challenging an NCO to fight

May 24, 1916

Isaac’s brother Clayton was killed in action while serving with the 2^nd Battalion CEF

Jun 2, 1916

While with the 2^nd Tunnelling Company working in deep dug outs at Mount Sorrel, east of Zillebeke, Belgium, the men came under attack by German troops.  The Germans exploded a mine as part of this attack and when the enemy had been beaten off, Private Pickell could not be located.  He was later officially reported as killed in action.

 
Because his remains could not be located for burial, his name is honoured on the walls of the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium for those killed during the war in Belgium and have no known grave.

 
Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Josephine Pickell, 282 Simcoe St., Oshawa, Ontario

Brothers Isaac and Clayton Pickell are honoured on
the Belleville, Ontario War Memorial