Regimental number: 880004  Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box: 3304-44 Item number: 397620, PDF: B3304-S044. Date of Birth: 17/09/1883. Next of Kin: Francis Freeman (wife) of 153 Emma St., Chatham, ON. later 181 Selkirk St. Chatham. The father of Berki, Effie, Clifton and Gordon Alexander. Occupation: Janitor.     

Attestation: 31/01/1816 at Chatham, ON. (he reported that he had 7 years service in the RFA when in England). To 186^th Batt. 5’11”, Comp: Fair / Eyes: Blue / Hair: Light Brown/ Weight: 147 lbs 

Private Thomas Freeman, a British Reservist, was called for service at the outbreak of the war in 1914, but was rejected at Quebec. He served seven years with the British Army, during which time he saw service in the Boer War.

Private Thomas Freeman trained with the 186th. Battalion until March 21st, 1917, when he was transferred to the 122nd. Canadian Forestry Battalion. He proceeded to France as Chinese guard, returned to England and after 28 days’ quarantine again crossed to France, transferring to the 52nd. Canadian Forestry  Battalion serving in mining operations. He was slightly gassed but returned shortly to his unit and later transferred to the 69th. Company,

Thomas embarked 28/05/17 arrived at Liverpool 10/06/17 aboard the S.S. Justicia.   

It was discovered that he had a defective left eye. A small piece of shell cartridge shell had entered his eye-ball while at target practice while in the Imperial forces. As a result a Medical Board agreed that he could be used on ‘service abroad’ but not on ‘general service’.

C.F.C. he left France January 5th, 1919, embarking form England February 21st, 1919.

 

 

As a result of his eye he was transferred to the 122^nd Battalion – Forestry Corp. in France. He was S.O.S. at Kimmel Park 15/02/1919 and departed to Canada 16/02/1919. Returned aboard  HMT “Belgic” 2/03/19

Upon reaching Canada he was granted a leave from 1/02/19 to 20/03/19 and was discharged from the Army 25/03/1919.   Private Thomas Freeman received his discharge March 25th, 1919, due to demobilization.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE, Chatham Daily Planet (03-03-1919), Chatham Daily Planet (04-03-1919), Chatham Daily Planet (05-03-1919), NR-MB60 (31-01-1916), NR-MB60 (10-06-1916), LAC, C. Roberts

Height	5' 10"
Eye Colour	Blue
Age	33
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Brown
Race	White
Birthplace	Chatham, England
Religion	Anglican
Last Place of Employment	Janitor at Public General Hospital, Chatham, Ontario
Average Earnings	$40.00 per month
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Info	July 25th, 1912, Chatham, Ontario
When Enlisted	January 18th, 1916
Where Enlisted	Chatham, Ontario
Allowance from Patriotic Fund	$16.00 per month
Next of Kin	Wife- mrs. Frances Freeman, Chatham, Children- Edwin Freeman, Bert Freeman

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