John Earle Lockerby
John Earle Lockerby enlisted for service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 1 December 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia at 23 years of age. As Valcartier, Quebec was the primary training base camp, John was likely initially posted there to learn and practice skills such as rifle and target practice, use of a bayonet, digging trenches, learning to march, physical fitness and basic movements on the field.
He sailed overseas, and arrived in Shorncliff England on April 12, 1915 as a soldier in the 2nd Division, Canadian Cycling Corps. His responsibilities included reconnaissance communications, dispatch of messages and transport of men and supplies. He served with the 42nd Battalion, the Royal Highlanders of Canada in France and Belgium engaging in trench warfare. With the 42nd, it was likely that he took part in the Battle of Mont Sorrel (Ypres) , and did take part in the Battle of Courcelette (Somme).
John was killed in action in the Battle of Courcelette and is commemorated on the Vimy Canadian War Memorial.
Prior to his death, John recounted to family a couple of memorable moments.
He escaped injury in Belgium from a German shell that killed 57 of his comrades when it landed in close proximity to him.
During the Battle of Courcelette he awoke in a trench to find shrapnel all around him, wondering how he survived without even a scratch.
We Will Remember Them.
