MILITARY HISTORY

Corporal George Lennox — 195134 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War I)

George Lennox was 39 years, 9 months old when, as a married man, he was Attested in the Canadian Army (CA), Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in Peterborough, Ontario and was enlisted on September 10, 1915 with the 93rd Canadian Overseas Battalion (Cdn O/S Bn), CEF for the duration of the War. George was born in the Township of Dummer, Ontario on December 11, 1875*. He was 5′ 2½” tall, dark complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair and had a 38″ chest (expanded). George gave his occupation as a Labourer and his next-of-kin was his wife Annie Lennox, living in Lakefield, Ontario. He indicated that he had no experience with the Militia Force nor the Military Force. George’s Medical Examination was done at the 57th Regiment in Peterborough on September 1, 1915; he was found fit for duty. Then, the same day, he was assigned the Rank of Private (Pte); given Regimental Number 195134 and taken-on-strength to the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn CEF. There was a gap of about 7 months from September 1, 1915 to April 1, 1916 due to no data in Pte Lennox’s Military File, he would have been training with the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn in Canada. April 1, 1916 Pte Lennox initiated a Separation Allowance of $20.00 monthly to his wife Annie Lennox of Lakefield. June 27, 1916 he stated that he didn’t have Insurance and July 1, 1916 he made a Pay Assignment of $20.00 monthly to his wife Annie Lennox of Lakefield. *George’s actual date of birth is December 11, 1873.

On July 15, 1916 Pte Lennox embarked the SS Empress of Britain at Halifax, Nova Scotia for England. He disembarked at Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916 with the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn CEF. September 7, 1916 he was struck-off-strength from the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn on transfer to the 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Cdn Inf Bn). On September 8, 1916 Pte Lennox landed in France and was taken-on-strength to the 5th Cdn Inf Bn in the Field.

October 19, 1916 Pte Lennox, with the Canadian Base Depot (CBD), was assessed as a Class “C” (free from serious organic disease, able to stand service conditions in garrisons at home), in Reports from Base, and transferred to the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre (CCAC) at Shoreham, England. CCAC is a centre where wounded were assessed for either further treatment or return to duty. October 23, 1916 he was taken-on-strength with the CCAC at Shoreham. November 14, 1916 Pte Lennox is put On-Command to the Canadian Discharge Depot at Shoreham. November 29, 1916 Pte Lennox is struck-off-strength from the CCAC to Canada for discharge and to be attached to the Canadian Discharge Depot (CDD) at Hastings. December 1, 1916 he is attached to the CDD, [a centre in Canada where soldiers returning from War were released from service] and is discharged to Canada, Medically Unfit at Buxton, England. Also on December 1, 1916 Pte Lennox embarked the SS Olympic at Liverpool, England for Canada. He disembarked at Halifax on December 7, 1916 and was transferred from the CDD to the Convalescent Home with Myalgia* at Military District (MD) No 3, Kingston, Ontario. December 12, 1916 he has the Medical Board Records (Md Bn Rec) of the Convalescent House at Kingston. December 16, 1916 Pte Lennox is at the Richardson Convalescent Hospital (RCH), Kingston.

*Myalgia, or muscle pain, is a symptom of many diseases and disorders. The most common causes are the overuse or over-stretching of a muscle or group of muscles. Myalgia without a traumatic history is often due to viral infections. Longer term myalgias may be indicative of a metabolic myopathy, some nutritional deficiencies or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Causes; the most common causes of myalgia are overuse, injury or strain. However, myalgia can also be caused by diseases, disorders, medications, or as a response to a vaccination. It is also a sign of acute rejection after heart transplant surgery.

January 27 to February 10, 1917 Pte Lennox was admitted as an Out-Patient to the Richardson Convalescent Hospital (RCH) authorised by the Military Hospital Commission of Canada (MHCC).
April 6, 1917 Pte Lennox’s Out-Patient Records to the MHCC at Kingston.
April 13, 1917 Pte Lennox, an Out-Patient at RCH, is struck-off-strength to the RCH.
April 15, 1917 Pte Lennox is transferred to the Special Service Company.

April 16, 1917 he is with the Hospital Conveyance Corps and is taken-on-strength to the No 3 Special Service Company, CEF. The No 3 Special Service Company was a Holding Unit for soldiers in the various military districts mainly for records and pay purposes.

November 14, 1917 Pte Lennox is On-Command to the General Officer Commanding at Kingston; the highest ranking General, usually at Corps level.

From June to November 1918 Pte Lennox is a member of the 3rd Bn Canadian Garrison Regiment (CGR). The CGR is a Unit of 13 Battalions formed in April 1918 to perform Garrison Duty in Canada’s 13 Military Districts. August 16, 1918 Pte Lennox is to be a Corporal (Cpl) [provisional].

January 1, 1919 Cpl Lennox taken-on-strength to No 3 Corps of Military Staff Clerks (CMSC) CEF as a Secretary at Kingston. February 28, 1919 he was transferred to Canadian Military Provost Corps (CMPC), MD No 3 as a Secretary.

January 31, 1920 Cpl Lennox, a member of the CMPC is discharged on demobilization, medically unfit for General Service. Corporal George Lennox was discharged from No 3 Detachment, Kingston.

Cpl Lennox would have received a War Service Gratuity but it wasn’t found in his File, a Clothing Allowance of $100.00 and a Rehabilitation Grant would have been provided.

Corporal George Lennox’s File indicates that he was eligible to receive the following medals which were shipped to him after he was discharged, the:
British War Medal; and
Victory Medal.
He would have also received the CEF Class “B” War Service Badge.

Corporal George Lennox served for about 3 years, 11 months and 27 days in Canada; 2 months and 27 days in the United Kingdom; 1 month and 11 days in France and 20 days Travel Time for a total time of about 4 years, 4 months and 21 days.

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON LENNOX

George Washington Lennox was born in Dummer Township on December 11, 1873, the son of Stewart Lennox and Angelina Robertson. He received his education in the local school and helped his father with carpentry work.

On December 11, 1899, George Washington Lennox married Mary Ann “Annie” Foster in Lakefield. They made their home in Lakefield, first living on Reid Street in 1903 and in 1906 they were living on the corner of Edward and Albert Streets. George worked as a labourer for the Portland Cement Company. George and Annie had a family of five children: John King; Marguerite “Donelda”; Irma Katherine Monica; Harold “Keith” and George McGill Lennox. By 1909, the family was living on Bishop Street in Lakefield.

On September 15, 1915, George went to Peterborough and enlisted to serve his King and country and on November 5, 1915 he was assigned to the 93rd Battalion. George returned home and by 1921, George, Annie and four of the children John, Donelda, Irma and “Keith” were living at 157 Sydenham Street in Kingston, Ontario. George was working as a caretaker. George Washington Lennox passed away on February 9, 1927.

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON LENNOX FAMILY OF LAKEFIELD

George Washington Lennox’s parents were Stewart Lennox born December 11, 1826 and Angelina Robertson born on March 1, 1842. They resided in Dummer Township and Stewart worked as a carpenter. They had a family of six children: Mary Jane; William Donald; Henry Stewart; George Washington; Frederick and Harlin “Harold” Wellington Lennox. Angelina passed away on April 12, 1903 and by 1911 Stewart was living in Norwood with his son William and his children. Stewart died on January 8, 1913 and is buried in the Norwood Asphodel Cemetery in Norwood beside his wife.