Reference: RG150 Accession 1992-93/166 Box 1848-18:  Item No. 108705. B1848-SO18.  MEDICALLY UNFIT Charles was born on 11/12/1885.  He was the husband of Catherine ‘Kate’ (nee Edwards) living in Blenheim, ON. Charles present address was at Blenheim, Kent Co. ON.  He was the father of Charles 8, Hilda 6, Harry 5, Glen 7-mos. Charles was born at Birmingham, England.  His father Harry and mother Mary lived at 5 Clendon Place .  Next of Kin is Kate Cole (wife) of Blenheim. Charles was a Chauffeur. Vaccination -Yes.  Attestation: 2/02/1916 at Chatham, ON. O/C – 186^TH BN. (23/04/17) “NOTED. ”

Apparent Age: 31 yrs, 1 mth., Height 5’ 3 ½”, Girth: 37”, Weight: 148#.  Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Brown. A few Scars on his back. “Fit”,  No previous Military training. 24/01/1916 at Chatham, ON. 2/02/16.   

Canadian Contingent C.E.F. “Discharged” –  From service 20 March, 1917 – FROM 186^TH BN. No. 13113 – for $42.00 – Pay for Month. Assigned to Mrs. Kate Cole (wife) – of Blenheim, ON. 2/02/16 – Married – Yes. M.C.O. – 69 Dated 20/03/17at Chatham, ON at Camp Borden – 13/09/16 – Routine Chatham, ON. 4/03/17 VDH.

War Service Gratuity: – $70.00 – Guard: $24.00 – 31 days $70.oo + $30.00 + $ 6.00. $106.00. 2/02/16 – t0 20/05/17 (30/07/16)  Disc. 20/03/1917 (31 yrs. 3mos.)

“Through Cause not due to Military Service.” – Authority M.C. 20/03/17 at Chatham, ON. “Medically Unfit 

It was reported his wife Catherine “Kate” (Nee Edwards). “My wife Kate Cole has died since my discharge,  WILL not be necessary for me to apply for in 2.W. 149 as I am left with four Children. 186^th O/S – 2/02/16 – 7/03/17. 

Disease Valvular – Disease of the Heart (before enlistment) – in Canada – Probably diphtheria 1915  

There is a murmur at Apex. Harsh in quality and during asystole. The apex Beat displaced to left & upwards and the heart rate is 130 – 140 – General physical-good- DISCHARGE. 14/04/17 at Chatham, ON.          

Private Charles Arthur Cole received his discharge March 20th, 1917, being medically unfit for military service.

Private Charles Arthur Cole served with the 186th. Battalion as Acting Corporal in the Officer’s mess until his discharge.

Charles passed away 19 April, 1969. (M. Cole)

Please note:  The Books of Remembrance under Additional Information was wrong back in the day of enlistment.  It should read:  Next of Kin:  Catherine “Kate” Cole nee Edwards, instead of Kathleen.  This information was supplied by Mari Cole.  

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE, Mari Cole, Blenheim Freedom Library

Height	5' 3 1/2"
Eye Colour	Blue
Age	31 yrs. 1 mth.
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Brown
Race	White
Birthplace	Birmingham, England
Religion	Anglican
Last Place of Employment	Chatham Gas Office.
Average Earnings	$3.00 per day.
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Info	Birmingham, England.
When Enlisted	February 2nd, 1916
Where Enlisted	Chatham, Ontario
Allowance from Patriotic Fund	$23. 50 per month
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Kathleen Cole, Chatham, Ontario. Childern- Charles Cole, Hilda Cole, Harry Cole, Glen Cole, Leslie Cole.

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