May 13, 1896

Born in Barnes, England to Hugh and Lillian (nee Fenning) Shirriff

Nov 6, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Number 59881 (temporary number 806)

Ø  Next of kin given as Lieut J.E. Fenning, Newcastle, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Posted to “G” Company

o   This was later reorganized into “D” Company

o   Later posted to the Communications Section and employed as a Scout and Runner

The 21^st Battalion trained in the Kingston, Ontario area through the winter of 1914-15.

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

Nov 6, 1916

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Nov 27, 1916

Granted 10 days leave

Dec 9, 1916

Rejoined the battalion resting in Bully Grenay, France from leave

Dec 17, 1916

Proceeded on Bombing Course

Dec 25, 1916

Rejoined the battalion west of Lens, France from course

Oct 28, 1917

At duty with the battalion

Dec 5, 1917

Granted 14 days leave

Dec 21, 1917

Rejoined the 21^st Battalion resting in Auchy au Bois, France from leave

Apr 4, 1918

Attached to the RTO (Railway Transport Officer) in Avesnes le Sec, France for duty as a guide

Jul 20, 1918

Rejoined the 21^st Battalion resting in Agnez les Duisans, France from duty with the Railway Transport Officer

Oct 3, 1918

Admitted to the No. 6 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads Impetigo in his legs

Oct 11, 1918

Discharged to duty and rejoined the battalion at the front near Avesnes le Sec, France

Nov 21, 1918

Granted 14 days leave

Dec 5, 1918

Leave extended to December 9, 1918

Dec 23, 1918

Private Shirriff joined the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp in Aubin St. Vaast, France from leave

It is unclear where Private Shirriff was from December 9 until December 23, as there is no entry in his file for that time.  It is likely that he was held back in England because the 21^st Battalion was on the move daily, marching to Seigburg, Germany

Dec 26, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Shirriff rejoined the 21^st Battalion in Seigburg, Germany

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

The 21^st Battalion embarked the SS Caronia in Liverpool

May 22, 1919

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

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 277319

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge New Castle, Ontario

Following his discharge, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 224 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario

Mar 28, 1924

Married to Lily Catherine Johnson in Greenwich, London, England

Howard Fenning Shirriff is reported to have died in Bridport, Dorset, England in 1977