Jul 9, 1882

Born in Long Eaton, England

Nov 12, 1914

Shown on the nominal roll of the 29^th Regiment Highland Light Infantry in Galt, Ontario with the rank of Private in “A” Company

Jan 17, 1915

Attested into the 34^th Battalion CEF in Galt, Ontario

Ø  Number 402204

Ø  Next of kin given as Edward Taft, father, 39 Hemlock Ave., Long Eaton, England

Ø  Previous occupation given as Lace Maker

o   Later noted as Tailor and Sailor

Ø  Previous military experience given as 7 years in the Royal Navy and 3 months in the 29^th Regiment Highland Light Infantry

Ø  Religion not given

o   Later noted as Presbyterian

Ø  Posted to the battalion’s 2^nd Reinforcing Draft

On attesting he gave his birth year as 1886, not his actual birth year of 1882

Aug 17, 1915

The 34^th Battalion’s 2^nd Reinforcing Draft embarked the SS Hesperian in Montreal, Quebec

Aug 26, 1915

The draft disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Shorncliffe where the men were absorbed into the 9^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Sep 10, 1915

Sentenced to 2 days Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeited 4 days pay for an unrecorded offence

Oct 2, 1915

Sentenced to 7 days Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeited 11 days pay for being absent

Nov 8, 1915

Admitted to the Moore Barracks Military Hospital in Shorncliffe with a diagnosis that reads Hemorrhoids

Surgery was performed to relieve the problem

Nov 20, 1915

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Woodcote Park, Epsom from the Moore Barracks Hospital

Dec 10, 1915

Discharged to duty from hospital

Jan 4, 1916

Forfeited 1 days pay and admonished for being absent

Jan 19, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Jan 20, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and Taken On Strength of the 21^st Battalion

Feb 3, 1916

After leaving the base depot, Private Taft joined the 21^st Battalion in the front line near Voormezeele, Belgium

Sep 15, 1916

During the capture of the heavily defended sugar factory south of Courcelette, France, Private Taft received a wound to his right foot and was evacuated to a field ambulance for first aid

Sep 16, 1916

Transferred to the No. 49 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

Sep 17, 1916

Transferred via the No. 11 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 20 General Hospital in Dannes Camiers, France

Sep 19, 1916

Transferred to the No. 6 Convalescent Depot in Etaples, France

Sep 20, 1916

Transferred to the No. 5 Convalescent Depot in Cayeau, France

Oct 19, 1916

Discharged from the convalescent depot and reported to the base depot in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France

Nov 6, 1916

Medical classification changed to PB (Permanent Base) meaning he was unfit for service at the front due to Varicose Veins and wound to right foot

Transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) and proceeded to England

Nov 7, 1916

Posted to the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre Depot in Shoreham

Nov 16, 1916

Attached to the CGDD (Canadian Garrison Duty Depot) in Hastings

Jan 10, 1917

Attached to the Garrison Duty Company Headquarters in Crowborough

Mar 10, 1917

Transferred to the newly formed EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while attached to the Garrison Duty Depot

Mar 16, 1917

Ceased to be attached to the Company Headquarters

Mar 22, 1917

Attached to the CETD (Canadian Engineers Training Depot) in Crowborough

Apr 16, 1917

Transferred to the ARD (Alberta Regimental Depot) in Bramshott

Apr 20, 1917

Transferred to the Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot in Seaford

May 2, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Forestry Corps in Sunningdale

Jun 28, 1917

Transferred to the CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) in Buxton pending return to Canada

Jul 18, 1917

Embarked the SS Justicia in Liverpool

Aug 1, 1917

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Quebec City, Quebec

Aug 10, 1917

Medical exam in Quebec City notes that he suffers from Varicose Veins and complains that his legs are painful when marching.

Aug 13, 1917

Transferred to the No. 1 Special Service Company in London, Ontario

Dec 19, 1917

Medical exam in London makes note of an enlarged mass on right leg that is 3 inches in diameter and raised ¾ inch.  When standing for any length of time, this mass becomes enlarged and painful.  An elastic stocking is recommended

Dec 27, 1917

Transferred to “F” Unit, Military Hospital Commission in London

Jan 21, 1918

Medical exam in Guelph, Ontario notes

Ø  Patient suffers from Varicose Veins in both legs

Ø  Has had surgery prior to enlistment, but problem continues

Ø  Wears elastic stockings

Ø  Condition is permanent and discharge from service is recommended

Feb 8, 1918

Discharged from the CEF in Guelph, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  Entitled to War Service Badge Class “A”

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge 6 Wilson Ave., London, Ontario

Following the end of the war, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him c/o the Western Hotel, Concession St., Galt, Ontario

May 6, 1968

Reported to Veterans Affairs Canada that he died on this date in England