| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 880740 |
| Unit # | 186th, 18th |
| 24th Reg. | Yes |
| Resident | Blenheim |
Regimental number: 880740. Reference: RG 150 Accession: 1992-93/166, Box 10511-47, Item 325525, PDF B10511-SO47.. Born in Blenheim, ON., 7/05/1894. The son of John and Maria Withford, of Blenheim, where John was a single butcher. N.of K: Maria Withford.
Prior to enlisting John served in the 24th Kent Regt., of militia. Attestation: 1/05/1916 at Chatham to the 186th Bn. Age: 22 years, Height:5’ 11 1/2′, Girth: 36”. Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Black. Completed his Medical at Chatham 26/04/1916.
He went overseas with the 186th Bn. John embarked Canada @ Halifax 25/03/17 arriving in England 7/041917 aboard the S. S. Lapland. Before going overseas he was TOS at the Segregation Camp at Bramshot 7/04/17. It was while in Bramshot he came down with Lyphilis 13/04/17 to 1/06/17 at Connaught Hospital.
He was sent to France as a draft to the 18th Bn. In April of 1918 john was wounded in the leg and developed blood poisoning and was admitted to hospital in France where he contracted Diphtheria and Quinsey (a complication of tonsillitis), beginning in 2/12/17 he was taken by 5th Cdn. Field Ambulance with Diphtheria, 3/12/ at 22 C.C. Station, 5/12/, 5/12 at 46 Stationary Hospital 11/1/18 at 6 Can. Depot – Etaples and was discharged 14/01/18 eventually recovering from all. It was discovered that he could not close his Right eye with out closing the left eye. It was decided that he should have a shield for the left eye and that in time would correct the other. He was fir for Cat. A 31/07/17
He returned to the 18th Bn. on 27/08/1918 and during action as in the Vis-en-Artois area he was WIA a 2nd time, this time a shrapnel wound in the side. John DOW 27/08/1918 at 24 years, on the way to a dressing station
He is buried at Windmill British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France at Grave 32 – Row B, Plot #2 Monchy le Preux just south of Arras. A picture of his gravestone can be found at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
His mother received the Memorial Cross, Scroll and Plaque
Prior to enlisting John served in the 24th Kent Regt., of militia. Attestation: 1/05/1916 at Chatham to the 186th Bn. He went overseas with the 186th Bn. arriving in England 26/03/1917 aboard the S. S. Lapland. He was sent to France as a draft to the 18th Bn. In April of 1918 john was wounded in the leg and developed blood poisoning and was admitted to hospital in France where he contracted Diptheria and Quinsey (a complication of tonsillitis), eventually recovering from all. He returned to the 18th Bn. on 27/08/1918 and during action as in the Vis-en-Artois area he was WIA a 2nd time, this time a shrapnel wound in the side. John DOW 27/08/1918 at 24 years, on the way to a dressing station.
He is buried at Windmill British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France at Grave 32 – Row B, Plot #2 Monchy le Preux just south of Arras. A picture of his gravestone can be found at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Commonwealth War Grave Commission, Blenheim News Tribune (26-04-1916), Blenheim News Tribune (10-05-1916), Blenheim Freedom Library, In Khaki - Blenheim Enlistment Book, Chatham Daily Planet (27-09-1919), Royal Canadian Legion Br. 185 60th Anniversary Book 1930-1990, Evergreen Cemetery - Blenheim, RG 150 Accession: 1992-93/166, Box 10511-47, Item 325525, CVWM |
| Height | 5' 11 1/2" |
| Eye Colour | Hazel |
| Age | 22 yrs |
| Complexion | fresh |
| Hair | black |
| Race | white |
| Birthplace | Blenheim ON |
| Religion | Anglican |
| Last Place of Employment | Farmer |
| Average Earnings | 30/mth + board |
| Marital Status | single |
| When Enlisted | Apr. 1916 |
| Where Enlisted | Chatham ON |
| Next of Kin | Maria Withford. Mother |
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