Nov 9, 1863

Born in Waterford, Ireland

Mar 4, 1915

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario

Ø  Number 59990 (temporary number 1373)

Ø  Next of kin given as James Tobin, brother, Sydney, Australia

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  Previous military experience given as 18^th Royal Irish Regiment for 5 years

Ø  Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø  Posted to the Depot Company

On attesting, he gave his birth date as September 9, 1870.  His actual birth date was later discovered to be November 9, 1863.

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

Jun 18, 1915

To be employed in the Bath House as a Fatigue Man

Aug 30, 1915

Reported to be AWL (Absent Without Leave)

Sep 5, 1915

Reported for duty from being absent

Sep 9, 1915

Forfeited 7 day’s pay and restricted to half pay for 2 months for his absence.

Posted to “C” Company

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

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

Mar 13, 1916

Admitted to the No. 6 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads Error of Refraction (poor eye sight)

Mar 14, 1916

Transferred to the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France

Mar 27, 1916

When his actual age was uncovered, combined with his poor eye sight, he was classified PB (Permanent Base) meaning he was permanently unfit to serve at the front and invalided to England

Transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) in Hastings, England

Mar 29, 1916

Transferred to the CCD & ED (Canadian Casualty Discharge and Exercise Depot) in Prior Bath

While here he is noted as having poor vision and a heart murmur.  It is also the earliest date where his actual age was disclosed and he was classed as Over Age

Apr 14, 1916

Embarked the SS Pretorian in Liverpool

Apr 25, 1916

Disembarked in Saint John, New Brunswick and proceeded to Quebec City, Quebec

May 13, 1916

Discharged from the CEF in Quebec City, Quebec

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  Entitled to War Service Badge Class “A”

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge General Delivery Toronto, Ontario

Even though he was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals, there is no evidence that they were ever issued

Jun 22, 1916

Martin Tobin died of Cerebral Apoplexy in Toronto, Ontario