John Theriault


Oct 12, 1892

Born in Grande Anse, New Brunswick to Marcin and Elizabeth Theriault

 

Aug 23, 1915

Attested into the 55th Battalion CEF in Sussex, New Brunswick

Ø  Number 445570

Ø  Next of kin given as Eliza Theriault, mother, Grande Anse, New Brunswick

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Assigned to “D” Company

 
The battalion began training in Sussex, New Brunswick but had moved to Valcartier, Quebec the previous June

 

Aug 30, 1915

Proceeded to Valcartier, Quebec to join the battalion and begin training

 

Oct 30, 1915

Embarked the SS Corsican in Montreal, Quebec

 
 

Nov 9, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the Bramshott camp

 

Dec 29, 1915

Admitted to the Bramshott Military Hospital with a diagnosis that reads Influenza

 

Jan 22, 1916

Discharged to duty from hospital

 

Apr 23, 1916

Transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Apr 24, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 853 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion

 

May 15, 1916

After leaving the base depot, Private Theriault joined the 21st Battalion in the T & R front line trenches near Voormezeele, Belgium

 

Sep 15, 1916

During the battle of the Somme, the 21st Battalion was assigned the objective of capturing the strongly defended sugar factory near Courcelette, France.  The fighting was fierce and the battalion suffered many casualties.  Private John Theriault was first reported missing in action, but later was determined to have been killed during the fighting.  His identifiable body was never recovered from the battlefield and his name is listed on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France for those killed in France during the war 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. Elizabeth Theriault, Grande Anse, New Brunswick

 



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