Born on 21 October 1888 in Lanarkshire, Scotland - next of kin listed as Mrs. Macmeeken, Edinburgh, Scotland - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as civil engineer; single; currently a member of the McGill University COTC; previously served with the Edinburgh University OTC (three years); Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 38.2 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.
Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Montreal, Quebec, on 1 April 1915 (number 411029) - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 16 July 1915.
(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force)
3 comments:
John West Macmeeken was my grandfather. He survived the war (one of a very few in the Princess Pat who did) but died of heart failure, probably as a result of his war experiences, in 1939 at the age of 51. After his discharge, he married and moved to the US. He was an engineer with Ingersoll (now Ingersoll Rand) in California and in Easton, PA. I am told he could recite Julius Caesar in his sleep. I was never privileged to meet him. Thank you for tracking down his service record.
The Rev. Carol Macmeeken Luther, San Anselmo, CA
I am a MacMeeken as well. Both of my Grandfather's parents were from Scotland, although my Grandfather was born in the United States. With the uncommon spelling of our last name, we must be distantly related.
We must be distantly related.
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