Reference: CEF, RG150, Accession: 1992-93/166, Box 7881-73, Item: 581883, PDF: B7881-SO72. CAMC. Date of Birth: 25/07/1887. Born at Belle River, Twsp. of Maidstone, ON. The son Damas and Helene (nee Diesbourg) Poisson. Paul was the fourth child, his siblings include: Alfred, Edmund, William, Paul, Adelard, Rene, Helen (only female) Isidore and Joseph.  He would attest at Valcartier, PQ. for overseas 25/09/1914, age 27 years.

Apparent age:  28 yrs., Height; 5’ 10”, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown, Chest: 37”. It was noted that he had “Scattered acme scars over his upper arms, chest and back during his medical 28/08/14.   

Paul graduated from the University of Western Ontario and set up his practice in Tecumseh, Essex Co. in 1909.  

Paul married Mary Gertrude (nee: Connor) a nurse. 11/01/19; the father of Gerald 2/12/1911 and George George Ferdinand 29/05/1921, other siblings Pauline Marie Eulalle 16/07/22, Mary Helene 20/08/24, Geraldine Gertrude 12/03/1926, Paul James 25/07/1927, John Robert 14/07/29 and Theresa Anne 5/06/1933. 

He enlisted 18/08/14 at Chatham, ON. At the time he was a practicing doctor, in Chatham.

Prior to the war Dr. Poisson was attached to the Army Medical Corp. for nine years (Militia). Dr. Poisson had purchased the practice of Dr. Henry James Sullivan in the spring of 1914.

He remained at Salisbury Plains until February 15th, 1915, with the 14^th Field Ambulance when he proceeded to France. Capt. Poisson the “Chatham” Physician, who went to the front with the First Contingent was on a well earned furlough to Canada after more than two years of service at the front had arrived in Chatham. He had been with his wife and family, residing in Windsor and Tecumseh. He was attached to the Canadian Army Medical Corps.

Transferred to the First Battalion of Field Engineers as Battalion surgeon, and with which he has remained.

He was admitted to No. 4 Field Ambulance 17/09/16 suffering from a GSW to his finger, thumb and right hand. He would be sent to Royal Free, Grey’s Inn for treatment. He was discharged 23/10/16. He returned to the 2^nd Field Co. Cdn. Engineers. 

His most serious situation was with “Trench Fever” which he reported 16/10/1916. He would spend two months in hospital and when still unfit for service and after a Medical Board the Board recommended an additional two months in Canada.

The condition of “Trench Fever”. Irregular action of the heart, diarrhea, as a general condition.

In France he was gassed, burned and suffered from shell shock in the second battle of Ypres, and admitted to Hospital in France. After returning to the front, was again wounded during the third battle of Ypre from which he won the Military Cross.

He again crossed to France attached to the staff of No.8 Canadian General Hospital. He remained there until Feb 1919, from there he was transferred to Ont Military hospital in England, D.D.No.1.

He was invalided to Canada in November, 1916, returning to England March 25th, 1917, when he was decorated by the King with the Military Cross  and received the promotion to the rank of Major. He again crossed to France attached to the staff of No.8 Canadian General Hospital. He remained there until Feb 1919, from there he was transferred to ON Military hospital in England, D.D.No.1.

Discharged at London March 29th due to demobilization.  The CDP – 27/03/19 It was noted that Major P. Polsson  and had arrived at Halifax, NS., aboard the S..S. Olympic. He went overseas as a physician in this city. Major Poisson he was living in Tecumseh, ON. CDP 27/03/19.  

Mrs. Poisson passed away 23/03/1917 and Dr. Paul Poisson died 3/12/1981.  Both are buried at Sainte Anne’s Cemetery in Tecumseh, ON.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	Military Cross
Sources	Chatham Daily Planet (30-11-1914), Chatham Daily Planet (16-10-1916), Chatham Daily Planet (14-05-1917), Chatham Daily Planet (22-04-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (27-03-1919), LAC, IODE, J. Hind (Anne Fisher – Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute)

Height	5'10"
Eye Colour	Brown
Age	28
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Brown
Race	White
Birthplace	Belle River, Ontario
Religion	Catholic
Last Place of Employment	Medical Doctor in Chatham, Ontario.
Average Earnings	Professional
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Info	January 11th, 1911, Waterloo, Ontario.
When Enlisted	August 18th,1914
Where Enlisted	Chatham, Ontario
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Gertrude Poisson, Tecuseh. Son- Gerald Poisson

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