Genealogy Chat

I have just learned that a distant relative of mine went to Canada
with her 6 children in 1917 after her husband was given the choice of going to prison or joining the Canadian army.

I do not know What his crime was ? but am wondering if anyone
else on GR have or know of similar stories,


I wondered if he may of been a draft dodger in England,
but I am purely speculating

Ray

Attestation papers for soldiers of WW1 in Canada are here:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/index-e.html

Hi Margaret

Many thanks for the link, will have a look

Ray

Thanks Margaret

Had a look, bit confused as to where to find the attestation papers for soilders are, but I did find the dates the ship set sail/landed for the wife
so that was helpful

will look again to see if I can find him

Ray

On that site, Ray, scroll down. Under the heading "Military and Peacekeeping " is "Soldiers of the First World War". Click on that and hit "Search" then type in name and hit "Submit". When and if you find the one you want click on his name then click on "Front of Form" to see original.

I didn't know that convicts in England were given a choice of going to prison or joining the Canadian Army. What a great advertisement for our Canadian Military!

Many thanks Margaret

You are a star xx

Have PMd you Margaret

Sorry xx

A million thanks Margaret

Very very helpful

Ray xx

The Military Service Act 1917 introduced conscription, so jail or army would have been the choice unless he could have gotten an exemption of some flavour.

I don't know if you've gotten to:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/index-e.html

Thank you mgnv

Both Margaret amd myself have looked but for some reason
were unable to access the site, maybe due to maintenance ?

Thank you for your help

I have themans army service number so will keep trying

ps he was shipped october 1916 before compulsery conscription ?

Ray

Thank you all

Finally accessed what I needed phew thanks again

Ray