Apr 26, 1892

Born in Russia to Feliksas and Mare Jurkonis

Nov 9, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

Ø      Number 60107 (temporary number 249)

Ø      Next of kin given as Peter Welch, uncle, South Stukely, Quebec

Ø      Previous occupation given as Quarry Man

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “B” Company

o       This was later reorganized into “A” Company

The nominal roll created in February of 1915 shows his name as Stephen Youngers.  I believe the issues with his name were caused by his poor English and writing skills.  He appears on the Embarkation Roll as Stephen Youngest.

The battalion trained through the winter of 1914 – 15 in the Kingston area

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 to continue their training

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

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

Apr 9, 1916

After the Germans had blown up their underground tunnels at St Eloi and created several large craters, the 21^st Battalion was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the war to gain control of the craters.  Private Youngest was killed in action, along with 9 other men of the battalion, and buried in the Ridge Wood Cemetery, Voormezeele, Belgium.

It is of interest to note that the battalion’s Part II Orders record his death on April 8, however he is officially recorded as having died on April 9.  This is confirmed in a letter written by then Capt H.E. Pense.

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to the family c/o the Consul, Lithuanian Consulate, 38 Park Row, New York City, USA.

Although not specified, it is likely that a Memorial Cross for his mother, Mare Jurkonis, was included with the above medals.