| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 189503 |
| Unit # | 91st Bn., 186th Bn. |
| Resident | Chatham |
Regimental number: 189503. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9899 – 51, Item: 621162, PDF:- B9899 – SO51. Present address: Chatham, ON. Date of Birth: 17/03/1879 at Boesschot, Belgium. Son of Charles Van Craen Waigenies, of Boesschot, Provin, Haunout, Belgium (father), his mother was Mary. A single coal miner living in Chatham, ON. Vaccinated. Attestation: 30/11/1915 at St. Thomas, ON. to 91st Bn.
Note: Also notify Mrs. Mary Van Craen (divorced) with two children Charles 9 yrs. and Laura 7 yrs. LaSalle, Ill, Box 125 USA. Address: Chatham, ON.
Apparent Age: 36 yrs. 8 mths. Height: 5’ 5”, Girth: 37”, Complexion: Medium, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Dark Brown, Weight: 148 #. Medical: “Fit” 29/11/15 at Chatham, ON1/12/15. Note: 2 small scars on left buttock. Scam over left knee, small scar on right –knee and outer cap.
Private Joe Van Creaen transferred from the 91st. to the 186th. Battalion Departed from Halifax :- S.S. Lapland, unit sailed 28/03/17. Served with 18th Bn. Cdn. Inf. – Theatre: France – last address: Chatham, ON. “General Delivery. 880181 from 28/02/16 to 7/03/1917. Transferred 28/02/16 to 186th Bn. overseas. After training at Bramshott he proceeded to France transferring to the 18th. Battalion. He served with this unit until he was badly wounded on the Arras Front in 1918, After treatment in various hospitals he was sent to Canada, for further treatment.
While serving with the 18th Bn. he received a GSW 19/01/18 + Myalgia in his legs and back. Discharge from duty 23/01/18. 12 Cdn. Field Amb. To 9th General Hospital – Rouen 6/06/18 GSW Right Leg. 13/06/18 to Cdn. General Hospital – Basingstoke; England. Also received Gas and had Chromic – Bronchitis.
Admitted 7/06/18 to No. 4 Cdn. – General Hospital – Basinstoke – GSW Right Leg + Bronchitis with emphysema. Admitted 12/06/18. Transferred 24/07/18 tp HMS – K. LMCH posted – GSW Left leg 10/10/18. FLMC (WB) London, England 4/12/18 – Discharged 15/02/1919 for Neurastheuia, London 18/02/19
Invalided to Canada, embarked 24/09/18 24/09/18 to Quebec KHYBER – 7/10/18. 2/11/18 reported Joseph “Absent without leave”. From 11 PM. 29/10/18 to 31/10/19. Seemed to be a habit 6/01/1919 from 12 noon 6/11/19 . Forfeit 2 days pay AWL. 28/03/19 – Casualty Coy. 8/01/19 Forfeited 2 days pay AWL
Discharged at London, April 1st, 1919 medically unfit for further service due to wounds received in action.
Diagnosis:- Emphysema; Chronic bronchitis.
Discharge;- 30/11/1919 – Canada, England and France 1/04/19. Discharged 11/07/19.
Deceased: 18/02/1950.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Library Archives of Canada, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9899 – 51, LAC Search |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Age | 38 |
| Complexion | Fair |
| Hair | Black |
| Race | White |
| Birthplace | 17/03/1879 at Boesschot, Belgium |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Last Place of Employment | Cherry Coal Mines |
| Average Earnings | $20.00 per week |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Info | December 4th, 1907, Oglesby, Illinois |
| When Enlisted | 1916 |
| Where Enlisted | Chatham, Ontario |
| Next of Kin | Wife- Mrs. Mary Van Craen, Box 125, La Salle, Illinois |
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