No soldier photo found.
Rank Private
Service # 123175
Unit # 70th battalion
Resident Tilbury, Ontario

Regimental number: 123175. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, BOX: 2063 – 43, Item: 121412, PDF: B2063 – S043. Date of Birth: 20/04/1897 at Chatsworth, Kent Co., ON. The first son of Barbara (nee Moynahan) and John Coveny at the time of Jame’s death he was living in Newbury, Michigan, USA.  In 1901 James was living with his aunt and uncle. James had assigned $150.00 per month to Mrs. Mary Catherine (his aunt), wife of George E. Thomas Schindler of R.R. #1, Ridgetown, ON. His Next of Kin: was his sister Barbara Coveny of Queen St. (PO Box 224) Tilbury, ON.

Attestation: 9/09/1915 to the 70th O/S Batt. CEF., at London, ON. He was stationed at London, ON for eight months before proceeding overseas Apr. 21, 1916 and to France July 16, 1916 and then transferred to 5th CMR Battalion.  Age at enlistment 18 years, 5 months, 5’ 9”, Comp: Medium, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Dark Brown.

A single farmer listed in the 1911 census, James was still living with his aunt and uncle Schindler in Harwich, Kent West, ON.  

He embarked aboard the S.S. Lapland at Halifax 26/04/16 and disembarked at Liverpool, England 5/05/15. Transferred to the 39th Batt. at Shorncliffe, England. He was ‘Drafted to France 17/07/16 to the 5th Cdn. Mounted Rifles.   Left for the unit in the field 28/08/16. He was granted a leave of absence 5/11/17 to 19/11/17. Rejoined his unit 1/12/17. 

He died of wounds Aug. 28, 1918.

DOW in action 28/08/18 a shrapnel wound to the abdomen during the battle for Remy Wood. Attended by the 4th  Cdn. Field Ambulance. James is buried at Achicourt Cemetery – Pas de Calais, France.

Circumstances of Death: “Was severely wounded by shell fire in the abdomen during the advance on Remy Wood. He was immediately evacuated to No. 4 Canadian Field Ambulance where he died.”

File No. 649-C-23784.

His Last Will & Testament was cleared through the Estate Branch 9/11/1918 to his sister Barbara.  There was an assigned sum of his pay of $150/month to Mrs. G. Schindler at R.R. #1 Ridgetown, ON. His “Memorial Cross” (P45291) went to his sister 6/01/1921 and the Memorial Plaque and Scroll, also to his sister 25/08/1922.  

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources CDP, CVWM, S. Podolinsky, LAC-FMF, TT, TS, CVWM
Supplemental Information Mother: Mrs. Barbara Coveny, Tilbury
Height 5'9"
Eye Colour blue
Age 18 years 5 months
Complexion Medium
Hair dark brown
Race white
Birthplace Ridgetown, Ontario
Religion Catholic
Last Place of Employment Ridgetown
Marital Status single
When Enlisted Sept. 7, 1915
Where Enlisted London, Ontario

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