Private John Leaf

Survivor of WW1

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General Information

Ranks

Conflict Rank Regiment Branch Unit Company Date From Date To
WW1 Private Canadian Army 146th Overseas Battalion
Only documented unit/rank; illegally absent from 24 Jun 1916 and S.O.S. as deserter 8 Aug 1916.

Service Chronology

1916-04-22 — Attested/enlisted as Private 835908, 146th Overseas Battalion; medically found fit
1916-06-24 — Became illegally absent from the 146th Overseas Battalion
1916-08-08 — Struck off strength as a deserter under Part II Order No. 190
1916-09-25 — 146th Battalion sailed overseas after Leaf had already been struck off strength
1921-06-16 — Administrative amendment to Part II Order No. 190 clarified illegal absence from 24 Jun 1916 and deserter status

Notes

Born at St. Regis, Quebec, 22 January 1877; trapper; Roman Catholic; married. Medical examination at Verona on 22 April 1916 recorded height 5 ft 7½ in, weight 165 lb, minimum chest 37½ in, fully expanded chest 41 in, dark complexion, dark-brown eyes and black hair; physical development was good.

Additional Service Notes

Enlisted at Verona, Ontario, on 22 April 1916 as Private 835908, 146th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F. He served in Canada with the battalion. He became illegally absent from 24 June 1916 and was struck off strength as a deserter at Valcartier Camp on 8 August 1916 under Part II Order No. 190. A 1921 amendment clarified the illegal-absence date. The 146th Battalion sailed overseas on 25 September 1916, after Leaf had already been struck off strength.

Additional Next of Kin Notes

Wife Nancy Leaf was recorded as next of kin at St. Regis, Quebec, and as the separation-allowance beneficiary.

Version: 3 Last modified: 2026-09-19 16:46:07 by: marc