A/Cpl. George H. Thompson 257856 1st Depot Bn, Machine Gun Depot

 Acting Corporal George H. Thompson

1^st Depot Battalion Saskatchewan Regiment/ Canadian Machine Gun Depot

Regimental Number 257856

George Harold Thompson was born on October 29^th, 1893 in Warsaw, Ontario. He was the son of Richard Thompson.

George was living in Zelandia, Saskatchewan and working as a telegraphist when he was called to report to Saskatoon, under the Military Service Acton October 27^th, 1917.  There he was examined by medical authorities and deemed category A.2 and fit to serve overseas.  He was not immediately called into service, but returned home until being ordered report to the Canadian Forces training camp at Regina on the 22nd of January 1918.

At Regina, George signed attestation papers joining the 1^st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment.  He was 24 years of age, stood 5’3inches tall and weighed 129 pounds. He was described as having a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and light brown hair. He was a Methodist and had no previous military experience.  He listed his Father, Richard Thompson as his next of kin.

Transferred to 205^th Battalion, at the Machine Gun Depot in Hamilton, Ontario on March 13^th 1918.  He would train with them until being ordered overseas on June 17^th.

George sailed from Halifax on August 4^th and arrived safely in England 11 days later.    He was immediately posted to the Canadian Machine Gun Depot at Seaford Camp, where he was promoted to acting corporal on May 28^th. He would remain in England until the end of the war.

On February 4^th, Thompson was admitted to the hospital complaining of severe headache and pains in back and legs.  He would spend the rest of the month recovering from influenza.  Having fully recovered, he was discharged to duty on February 25^th.

Acting Corporal Thompson was struck off strength from the Canadian Machine Gun Depot on July 29^th 1919 and posted to the Canadian Camp at Witley to await demobilization. H sailed to Canada aboard the H.M.T. Catonia on August 9^th 1919.  He was later discharged on August 19^th 1919 in Toronto, at which time he returned to Warsaw, Ontario

Sources

Canada. "Military Service File of George Harold Thompson." Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa: Record Group 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9636-0. Item Number 264176.