MILITARY HISTORY
Private James William Coughlin — C 78214 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War II)
James William, was a 27 year, 10 months old, single man when, on the May 6, 1942 he enlisted, in Peterborough, Ontario, with the Prince of Wales Rangers (Active Force). He was living in Lakefield, Ontario at the time and gave his birth date as July 12, 1914; born in Lakefield. His previous employment was electrician. At the time James William was 5′ 6½” tall, 37″ chest, medium complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes and weighed 130 pounds. James William’s Medical Examination was done May 5, 1942 he had: a brown birthmark on his right abdomen; pneumonia as a child (5 years old); wore glasses from 1920 to 1925 and varicocele left leg. He was found fit for Duty. James William named his mother, Mrs. Helen Coughlin, as his next-of-kin. James William would have attended the schools in Lakefield, he completed two years of High School there. James William indicated that he did not serve in an Active Formation or Unit of The Canadian Army nor any other Naval, Military or Air Force and did not serve during the Great War 1914 – 1918. He entered as a Private (Pte) with Service Number C 78214 and was assigned to the Prince of Wales Rangers, Canadian Active Service Force (CASF).
May 6, 1942 Pte Coughlin was taken-on-strength with the Prince of Wales Rangers CASF in Peterborough and is authorized to draw the Subsistence Allowance. May 8, 1942 Pte Coughlin’s rate of pay is $1.30 per diem. May 13, 1942 he ceases to draw the Subsistence Allowance and prepared a Will. There was a 4 month gap to September 12, 1942 he would have been training with the Prince of Wales Rangers.
“Q” CARD COMPLETE June 3, 1942
Some data: Medical Category A – 1 Place – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Educational Background – Two years of High School
Occupational Background
Farming (tobacco farm)
1 year at Quaker Oats
Railroad (RR) Construction
2 years Electrician’s Assistant
A thin Chap who is pleasant, has had several jobs but no special trade – says he is most interested in electrical work – single – likes the Prince of Wales Rangers and I suggest he remain there. Interviewed by I. A. Maden, Captain; March 14, 1942.
September 12, 1942 Pte Coughlin is struck-off-strength from the Prince of Wales Rangers CASF to the Canadian Army Overseas, at Prince George, British Columbia (BC) and attached to the 3-A District Depot (DD), Kingston, Ontario for a period of Concentration Training. September 13, 1942 Pte Coughlin is taken-on-strength to the 3-ADD OT from the Prisoner of War Reserve (POWR), Prince George, BC for record and pay purposes with effect from (wef) September 16, 1942 and attached to 3-A DD, Kingston. September 16, 1942 Pte Coughlin is granted Embarkation Leave from September 16 to 21, 1942 and was issued a Sailing List & French Translator (SL&FT) Warrant and attached to 3-A DD, Kingston. September 17, 1942 Pte Coughlin is authorized to draw Ration Allowance at 50 cents per diem from September 17 to 20, 1942 vide (see) article 196 (4) Financial Regulations and Instructions and Routine Orders (FR&I&RO). September 21, 1942 Pte Coughlin proceeds to the Port of Embarkation. September 23, 1942 he was struck-off-strength from Canada (CA) and taken-on-strength to Canada (Overseas) and embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 24, 1942. October 8, 1942 Pte Coughlin disembarked at England. October 9, 1942 he was taken-on-strength with the 1st Canadian Divisional Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CDIRU) England. On October 19, 1942 he was granted 7 days Privilege Leave to October 26, 1942. November 11, 1942 Pte Coughlin was on Rifle II training; December 22, 1942 he was on Light Machine Gun (LMG) II training.
January 1, 1943 Pte Coughlin, with the 1st CDIRU, is granted the Daily Regimental Rate of Pay of $1.40 (4 months effective Service) which was raised to $1.50 with the 5th Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) the same day. January 10, 1943 Pte Coughlin was attached for all purposes (fap) to the No 1 Composite Training School (CTS) Demonstration Pilot. January 11, 1943 he was granted 9 days Privilege Leave with the Meal Allowances to return January 20, 1943. January 25, 1943 he was granted 9 days Privilege Leave with Meal Allowances to return February 2, 1943. January 31, 1943 Pte Coughlin goes to the 5th CIRU and remains attached to the No 1 CTS. February 1, 1943 he was taken-on-strength from the 1st CDIRU and posted to the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment (H&PER) Training Company (TC). April 2, 1943 he was granted 8 days Privilege Leave with the Meal Allowances to return February 12, 1943. August 27, 1943 Pte Coughlin is granted 9-days Privilege Leave to September 5, 1943.
September 2, 1943 Pte Coughlin is admitted to the No 1Canadian Medical Centre (CMC) with the 5th CIRU Administration/Wing (A/W). September 10, 1943, he is with the 5th CIRU, then with the CIBA fap to No 1 CTS on being struck-off-strength to that Unit. September 11, 1943 Pte Coughlin is taken-on-strength from the 5th CIRU to the No 1 CTS A/W. September 20, 1943 he is discharged from the No 1 CMC to the No 1 CTS A/W. December 8, 1943 he is admitted to the No 1 CMC while with the No 1 CTS A/W. December 13, 1943 Pte Coughlin is discharged from the No 1 CTS while with the No 1 CTS A/W. At this point Pte Coughlin is awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Classification: Military Specialties and Trades
Designation – Electrician’s Helper
CURRENT SERVICE – Date Enlisted May 6, 1942
Date from – to Country Corps Unit and Sub-Unit Rank Principal Duty
May 6, 1942 Canada PWR 1st Bn A Coy Pte Training
July 1, 1942 Canada PWR 1st Bn HQ Corps Pte Signals
Sept 17, 1942 Canada PWR 3-A Depot Pte Draft Overseas
Sept 24, 1942 England PWR 1st CDIRU Pte Draft Overseas (H)
Oct 9, 1942 England H&PER 1st CDIRU Pte Training (R)
Sept 29, 1942 England SOS from No 1 Pte
CTS to 4th CIRU
PWR – Prince of Wales Regiment H&PER – Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment
Electrician’s Helper
Type of Service Desired – Electrician – Active Army (AA) Platoon
Would like to take Electrician’s Course – Average
Learning ability – unseen — Judged him steady, reliable Chap.
Attitude to Interview – Co-operative
Reason for Joining Canadian Army – Sense of duty
Suggested Possibilities for Employment – (1) General Service (2) Electrician’s Helper
Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC).
Interviewed March 14, 1942.
May 6, 1944 he was awarded one Good Conduct Badge, with the No 1 CTS HQ & A/W. June 1, 1944 Pte Coughlin is to be an Acting Lance Corporal (A/L/Cpl), with the No 1 CTS HQ & A. June 10, 1944 A/L/Cpl Coughlin is appointed as a Lance Corporal (L/Cpl), with the No 1 CTS HQ & A his rate of pay is $1.60 per diem. September 29, 1944 L/Cpl Coughlin reverts back to the Rank of Private on being struck-off-strength from No 1 CTS to the 4th CIRU. The same day he is entitled to a re-rate (RR) of $1.50 per diem. September 30, 1944 Pte Coughlin is taken-on-strength from the Admin Wing (A/W) of No 1 CTS with the 4th CIRU. October 17, 1944 he is attached for Rations and Quarters to the No 2 Canadian General Hospital and employed on Guard Duty. November 2, 1944 Pte Coughlin is struck-off-strength from X–4 List, 4th CIRU to the X–4 List, 2nd Canadian Base Reinforcement Group (CBRG). November 3, 1944 he embarked the United Kingdom (UK) and disembarked in North West Europe (NWE) on November 4, 1944. November 7, 1944 Pte Coughlin is struck-off-strength from the X–4 List, Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC), 13th Bn to the Lincoln & Wellington Regiment (L&WR) in Northwest Europe (NWE) the same day he was posted to the X-4 List, No 58 Coy 13th Bn and transferred to the 11th Bn. He was then Struck-off-strength from the No 58 Coy 13th Bn to the L&WR. November 8, 1944 he is taken-on-strength to the L&WR from the X–4 List, 13th Bn Infantry General Unit.
January 28, 1945 Private James William Coughlin was severally wounded and was struck-off-strength to the X–3 List, L&WR. Note: X-3 List — All ranks evacuated on medical grounds behind Regimental Aid Posts. X-4 List — Unposted reinforcements in the Theatre of War belonging to the Unit or Corps.
The following text (difficult to read some words) covers his care on admittance and surgery followed by his demise.
FIELD MEDICAL CARD
Pte Coughlin was admitted to the 15th Canadian Field Ambulance (CFA) on January 28, 1945 with a GSW (Rifle) with a compound fracture to his right femur; right arm (upper) through & through (T&T), right forearm T&T and a neck wound. He was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Post at 05:45 hrs with GSW by a Light Machine Gun (LMG) with a compound fracture to his right femur (lower ⅓); two T&T wounds to his right arm and neck wound. He was in severe shock and was evacuated to the No 2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station (CCCS).
Pte Coughlin was wounded at 03:45 hrs, he was given Morphine at 05:45 and admitted to the No 2 CCCS at 07:30 hrs; he was given 4cc of Coramine.
Private Coughlin had a compound comminuted fracture of his right femur and his femoral artery and vein were severed in the adductor canal. Vessels were tied with difficulty. The wound toilet*, several quite large pieces of bone were removed. **Tobruk splint. Perforating wound in neck which may inter post mediastinum. Perforating wound lain which does not enter peritoneal suavity, Two wounds to his right arm. Wound toilet penicillin powder. (signed by surgeon)
* Wound toilet involves cleaning the skin with antiseptics. ** A tobruk splint is a fundamental technique to splint extremity fractures.
January 28, 1945 Private Coughlin roused fairly well post-op although deeply shocked; after 3 bottles, twice, of concentrated plasmin (some peel oedma present). Oxygen (O2) by BLB mask continued. At 6:10 p.m. loveiser Private Coughlin abruptly deteriorated and died in a matter of seconds. (signed by Post-op Doctor)
January 29, 1945 he was taken-on-strength to the X–3 List from the L&WR and then struck-off-strength deceased (died of wounds). Private James William Coughlin was killed in Holland.
Private James William Coughlin was awarded the following Campaign Medals:
1939 – 45 Star;
France and Germany Star;
Defence Medal;
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp; and
War Medal 1939 – 45.
Private James William Coughlin served for about 4 months and 17 days in Canada; 2 years and 26 days in the United Kingdom; 2 months and 24 days in Northwest Europe and 16 days Travel Time for a total time of about 2 years, 8 months and 23 days.
Private James William’s mother, Mrs. Helen Coughlin, would receive his Last Pay of $255.92. She would also receive his Personal Effects, Medals, Memorial Cross, Memorial Bar, Plaque and Scroll which were dispatched March 7, 1945.
January 29, 1945 Private James William Coughlin was interred in the Netherlands Vredehof Tilburg Roman Catholic Cemetery. February 24, 1945 Private James William Coughlin was re-interred in the Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian Military Cemetery, 4 miles N. E. of Bergen-op-Zoom, Holland; Grave 8, Row B, Plot 7. Photographs were dispatched to James William’s mother, Helen Coughlin in Lakefield.
March 6, 1945 a list of Personal Effects of James William Coughlin was as follows: Purse; two Religious Emblems; two Souvenir Coins; Cigarette Lighter – Ronson; Wrist Watch – Westclock; Prayer Book; Handkerchief; Red “I” Disc and Photographs.
In March Mrs. Helen Coughlin made a Declaration to obtain her son’s money (from his Will) since her husband fell and broke his hip and can’t work plus there was a lot of sickness in the family.
An excerpt from an article in McLean’s magazine by Barbara Amiel, September 1996:
The military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable?
PERSONAL HISTORY
JAMES WILLIAM COUGHLIN
James William Coughlin was born in Douro Township, Peterborough County on July 12, 1914. He was the son of Martin “Ambrose” Coughlin and Ellen “Helen” Kelly. He was raised on the family farm in Douro Township with his siblings. He attended the local school and completed grade 10. James left home about 1932 and moved to Peterborough. James worked for a construction company for six years and farmed for two years. He later worked learning the electrician’s trade. Eventually James enlisted to serve his Country during World War II.
Sadly James William Coughlin was killed in action during the Western European Theatre of War on January 29, 1945 and is remembered with honour in the Bergen-OP-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery located north west of Antwerp in Noord-Brabant District, Netherlands.
THE JAMES WILLIAM COUGHLIN FAMILY OF DOURO TOWNSHIP
James William Coughlin’s paternal great grandparents were Martin Francis Coughlin and Julia Burke.
James William Coughlin’s paternal grandparents were Martin Francis Coughlin born January 17, 1845 and Bridget Hogan born September 11, 1851. They were married January 15, 1878 in Douro Township. They had a family of five children Martin, James, Ambrose, John and Mary Coughlin. Sadly Bridget died six days after the birth of Mary due to complications. Later Martin married Margaret “Maggie” Clancy on February 13, 1887. Martin passed away on July 17, 1922.
James William Coughlin’s parents were Martin “Ambrose” Coughlin and Ellen “Helen” Kelly. Martin Coughlin was born December 7, 1881 in Douro Township and Ellen “Helen” Kelly was born on October 14, 1886. Ambrose and Helen married in Toronto on February 19, 1905. They made their home on a farm located at Lot 13 Concession 7 of Douro Township. There they had a family of thirteen children – Cyril Francis, twins Thomas “Stephen” and Annie Bridget, James William, Josephine, Loretta, Agnes, John “Jack” Michael, Kathleen “Kaye”, Bernard & Lawrence Coughlin. Martin “Ambrose” Coughlin passed away on January 7, 1951 and his wife Ellen “Helen” Kelly died on December 11, 1976.
