| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 21648 |
| Unit # | 11th Battalion |
| Resident | Wabash |
Regimental number: 21648, Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6989-36, Item No. 160697, PDF: B698-S036. Date of Birth: 4/11/1891 at Wabash, Kent Co., ON. A single farmer. The son of Sarah McKerracher of Wabash / R.R. #7, Thamseville, Kent Co. ON.
Attestation: 23/09/1914 at Valcartier, PQ., age 22 years, 9 months, 5’ 71/2 ”, Complexion: Medium, Eyes: Brown, Hair Dark Brown. He had a “mole on his right shoulder. Complete medical at Valcatier 21/09/14. When he enlisted his mother Sarah McKerracher was listed as his ‘next of kin’. It would be changed while overseas to: Helen Mary McKerracher of Rockbourne Cottage, Harrow Road, Dorking, Surrey, England, his wife. Before his discharge her address would be changed to 981 Cowichan, St. Victoria, BC., 7/03/18.
While in Canada he was attached to the 60th Rifles of Canada. Departed Quebec City aboard the S. S. Royal England 3/10/1914 with 50th overseas battalion. NOTE: Going across the Atlantic Ocean was not ‘overseas’ in the Great War. Going overseas was crossing the English Chanel to France.
Pte. John B. McKerracher went overseas in November 1914, proceeding to France in February 1915. At Langemarck, April 1915, he was gassed, returning to England, where he remained as cook in a Convalescent Hospital until 1917, when he returned to France. He was severely wounded shortly after joining his unit and was admitted to Hospital in England, returning to Bramshott in December 1917.
Pte. John B. McKerracher was reported attached to the 5th Batt. “Saskatchewan Regiment. 22/05/15, he was taken ill and evacuated by No.5 Cdn. Forces Ambulance 22/05/15. 31/08/15 he was at the Canadian Convalescent Hospital Hoton. Transferred to Cdn Convalescent Hospital at Epson 9/09/15 and then to the General Hospital – Leicester suffering from Rheum Naricocele, Myalgia (muscle pain) and Influenza.
In 1916 he would come down with Myalgia (which can be a dull ache to excruciating pain) and was hospitalized at Woodcote Park – Epson 26/04/16. After his recovery he was assigned to the County of London where he was trained to be a hospital cook, between 28/11/1915 to 26 April,1915 he was a trained hospital cook.
He was returned to his combat unit and on 28/06/17 he was a casualty at No.7, Cdn. Casualty Clearing Station GSW both legs. Right thigh and left shin. He would work his way through the medical system once again. 12/07/17 at Connella Hospital – Poole, England, Cdn Military hospital – Epso 27/10/17, 12th Cdn. Hospital – Bramshot and discharged ‘fit for service’.
Finally he would be gassed and admitted to Alders Hospital – Bearwood 9/10/18 John would be evaluated, some vomiting, no burns at Bramshot 18/10/18 and though he had “some pain in his chest, his eyes were fairly good and he had some headaches.
John would return to Canada aboard the S. S. Tunisian. He would be discharged at London, ON. 1/03/1919.
Afa: LAC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (07-06-1915), Family, M. Eberle |
| Height | 5'9" |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Age | 26 |
| Complexion | Dark |
| Hair | Brown |
| Race | White |
| Birthplace | Camden Township |
| Religion | Protestant |
| Last Place of Employment | Central Butte, Saskatchewan |
| Average Earnings | $ 35.00 per month |
| Marital Status | Single |
| When Enlisted | August 1914 |
| Where Enlisted | Saskatchewan |
| Next of Kin | Father- John McKerracher Sr., Thamesville. Mother- Mrs. Sarah McKerracher. Sisters- Mrs. Christins Neaves, Lizzie McKerracher, Myrtle McKerracher and Margaret McKerracher. Brothers - William McKerracher, Alvin McKerracher. |
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