Lieutenant Joseph Paget Bailey, MM

Born on 20 December 1895 in St. Catharines, Ontario - son of Christopher Joseph and Helen Jane Bailey, Lindsay, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address as Lindsay, Ontario, trade as bookkeeper with the Bell Telephone Company of Canada, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 10.5 inches, chest of 38 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 77th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 6 January 1916 (number 145742) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in England on 6 July 1916 - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - sent to England for officer training on 27 September 1917 - rejoined the battalion on 6 July 1918 as a lieutenant - killed in action by rifle fire on 2 September 1918 - buried in Dury Mill British Cemetery (grave 27.1.D), France.

Awarded the Military Medal (as a sergeant) - no citation - award announced 17 September 1917 - unit recommendation (undated): "For bravery in the Field." - An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926, p.72 notes: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations before Avion from June 26th to 30th, 1917. In the capacity of Acting Company Sergeant Major this N.C.O.'s work was of the highest standard during these operations, his leadership and initiative being strongly recommended by his platoon Commander. In the consolidation of each position captured, he organized and led carrying parties with ammunition, bombs, tools, etc., setting a splendid example of gallantry and devotion to duty, while carrying on this work on several occasions under heavy hostile shell fire. His enthusiasm had the effect of encouraging the other N.C.O.'s and men of his company to the maximum effort, and his energy contributed in a large way to the results of the work of his company."

[also An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926]