School Remembrance Projects

William Joseph Daughen, Private-Sergeant
21st Battalion
2nd Division, Canadian Infantry

Personal Information: William Joseph Daughen was born in Toronto, Ontario. The day he was born is unknown. Later on in life, he moved to Perth, Ontario. (Archives) He was on the Honor Roll at Perth District Collegiate Institute the year he enlisted. (http://globalgenealogy.com) He enlisted November 7, 1914 in Kingston, Ontario. When he first joined the army he started out as a private, later promoted to a sergeant. He was assigned to the 21st Battalion of the 2nd Division. (Archives)

Military Movement: William Daughen, being part of the 21st battalion was sent to the Canadian Corps Front on December 23, 1915. The Battalion was located between Vierstaat and St. Eloi. Their job was to protect the extreme left of the front.(Nicholson 116) On September 15, 1916 at Courcelette, the objective was to takeover the sugar Factory and Candy Trench. (Nicholson 170) Daughen was sent to the Canadian Causality Assembly Center. On May 31st 1917 he was taken to the Canadian Convalescent Depot then to the Eastern Ontario Regimental Dept on November 1,1917. (Archives) He was then sent to The Battle of Arras on August 26, 1918. Their location was north of Neuville-Vitasse and East of Chapel Hill. The 21st Battalion moved west towards Guemappe. (Nicholson pg. 432) William Daughen was then discharged in 1919.

Medical Records: William Daughen was wounded only once in his many years of service. He was taken to the Convalescent Depot, where because the wound was so severe he had a sudden operation. On November 1, 1917 he was taken to the Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot. (Archives)

Final Days: William James Daughen did not die during any of the battles in World War One. He was discharged in 1919 the day is unknown. He also fought in World War Two and never returned. How and when he died is unknown.

Lest We Forget: William J. Daughen risked his life for his country not only once in World War One , but twice in World War Two. He was never married. He received no awards and no medals for his courageous effort. William J. Daughen will never be forgotten.

Primary Source
Military Files
National Archives of Canada

Internet
www.vac-acc.gcc.ca
www.archives.ca
www.cwgc.org

Text
Nicholson, Colonel G.W.L, Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-1919 ( Queen's Printer, 1964)