Private Joseph William John Friend

Born on 15 May 1896 (1915 enlistment) / 1897 (1917 enlistment) in Ottawa, Ontario - son of George J. and Lucia Friend, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as well drilling, single, no current or previous military service, Church of England, height of 5 feet 3.5 inches, chest of 34 inches fully expanded, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, brown hair - at the time of his enlistment in 1917: present address in Cummings Bridge, Ontario, trade as mail carrier, no previous military service.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 26 February 1915 (number 410273) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 25 May 1916 - joined the 253rd Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 29 January 1917 (number 1090231) - taken on the strength of the 21st Battalion, CEF, on 29 March 1918 - transferred to the Canadian Machine Gun Corps on 1 April 1918.