James Donald
WW1 21st Battalion trench warfare
A tribute to the 21st Battalion CEF
Attested into the 21st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

ØNumber 59266 (temporary number 494)

ØNext of kin given as Mrs. Georgina Donald, mother 12 Murray Place, St. Andrews, Scotland

ØPrevious occupation given as Photographer

ØPrevious military experience given as 59th Stormont and Glengarry Regiment, Canadian Militia and the 1st Aberdeen Royal Engineers Volunteers

ØReligion given as Presbyterian

ØPosted to 11 Platoon “E” Company

oThis was later reorganized into 11 Platoon “C” Company

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

While in billets in the “B” Camp at La Clytte, Belgium, Corporal James Donald was in charge of a carrying party moving supplies on a hand powered narrow-gauge railway, the overloaded car overturned and fell on him. When the car was lifted from him, he had a badly injured left knee and multiple cuts and bruises. He was evacuated to the No. 10 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for first aid.

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Brighton

On arrival in England he was admitted to the De Walden Court Hospital in Eastbourne

Transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) for pay purposes while in hospital

Discharged from the CEF in Ottawa, Ontario

ØRank on discharge Acting Sergeant

ØWar Service Badge Class “A” issued number 382006

ØProposed residence on discharge Cornwall, Ontario

Following his discharge, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at Box 89, Cornwall, Ontario

James Donald later moved to South Porcupine, Ontario and opened a Photography business