59743, Lt. William John Nesbitt was born in Brighton, Ontario, on June 14th, 1890, to Robert and Emma Nesbitt.
Whilst in occupation as a canner, and still single, William answered the call and signed on into the CEF at Kingston, Ontario. Attesting as a Private there on November 3rd, 1914, William was assigned to the 21st Battalion.
During training in England he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before reaching the front. In November of 1916 he was commissioned with rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles in December.
When in action at Passchendaele, he received severe bullet wounds to the neck, back and ear, which resulted in a gangrene infection that ended with surgery, removing affected muscle tissue; a medical situation that would affect him for life.
William was returned to Canada, on medical grounds, in February 1918, and struck off strength in the following June. He passed away in Brighton, Ontario, in February 1962.
There was a curious event that happened in Kingston shortly after he attested, when he was presented with a German Iron Cross that had been sent to Canada by the Kaiser. No further details could be found on this, other than the dog, Buster, a mascot of the battalion, and another member of the battalion were also presented with an Iron Cross.
More information on William's service can be read at www.21stbattalion.ca/tributeemn/nesbitt_wj.htm.
Biography details credited to Al Lloyd, and image credit along with further details on Wiiliam's service attributed to 21stbattalion.ca