Regimental number: 6647. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 8837, Item No. 225149.  Private John Baptiste Sheff went overseas with the First Contingent in September, 1914, and after training at Salisbury Plains, crossed to France in February, 1915. He was promoted to Sergeant Major while in France, he went through all engagements and was never wounded or sick arrived in Canada September 1919.  Reported commissioned and decorated by Gen. Turner who was in command of the Canadian forces in England. One of first Chatham men to enlist.   

From a John Rhodes article in the CTW 16/03/2017, “He entered the Canadian Army as a Lance Corporal but by the conclusion of the war he held the rank of Major. At the outbreak of the Second World War he dropped back to the rank of Captain and saw provo duty in England.”

According to the same article during the battle of Passchendale (31 July, 1917) the battle was won by the Canadian Corps but cost 15,600 killed or wounded “J.B. with some of his comrades, had occasion to take the surrender of a number of German soldiers including some officers. From one of these men he took a German Luger side arm and kept it as a souvenir. 

The CDP 15/02/17 It was reported that Company Sergeant Major Sheff the soldier who went to the front with the First Battalion was “Still in good health and spirits”.

He had been buried three times as a result of shell explosions.  So far the Sgt. Maj. has not so far received a scratch. The Sergt, was with the late Major George Smith when he fell in battle. The Chatham soldier was only four years of age at the time.

After the war John entered the Kent County Constabulary in the mid-1920’s and he used the captured Luger as his ‘service weapon’.  Discharged October 31st 1919 due to demobilization. 

John ‘Jack’ Baptise also known as J.B. passed away in 1975.   His mother resides on Jeffrey Street in Chatham.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	Distinguished Conduct Medal, Lieutenant, Major
Sources	Chatham Daily Planet (23-01-1917), Chatham Daily Planet (15-02-1917), Chatham Daily Planet (22-04-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (06-06-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (24-06-1918), Centennial Chatham 1895-1995 - John Rhodes

Height	6' 2"
Eye Colour	Brown
Age	19
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Dark Brown
Race	White
Birthplace	Chatham, Ontario
Religion	Catholic
Last Place of Employment	Hayes Wheels Company, Chatham, Ontario
Average Earnings	$2.50 per day
Marital Status	Single
When Enlisted	August 14th, 1914
Where Enlisted	Chatham, Ontario
Allowance from Patriotic Fund	$10.00 per month
Next of Kin	Mother- Mrs. Agra Sheff, Chatham, Sister- Miss Mary Sheff, Brother- Frank Sheff, William Sheff, Henry Sheff

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