Canada's History - John Diefenbaker

John Diefenbaker

He was injured in a training accident and never served in a combat role during the war.

Former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker enlisted in August 1916 from Regina, Saskatchewan. He was injured in a training accident and never served in a combat role during the war. As Canada’s 13th prime minister, Diefenbaker introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights and extended the vote to First Nations people.

Born in Neustadt, Ontario in 1895, Diefenbaker died in 1979 and is buried in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Do you have an ancestor who served in the Great War? Submit their story and it could be included on this Great War Album website.

John Diefenbaker

He was injured in a training accident and never served in a combat role during the war.

Tags

John McCrae

The poem for which McCrae is chiefly remembered, “In Flanders fields,” was written while he was waiting for the wounded to arrive at his dugout.

Arthur Frederick Boniface and his wife Rose Rands

“My mother said that he could never become reconciled to the changing roles of women in society following the war.”

William Hebenton

He served as a gunner with the 15th Brigade, 62nd Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery and spent most of the war in action near Arras and Lens.

Lester Bowles “Mike” Pearson

Pearson went on to be leader of the Liberal party and the 14th prime minister of Canada.

Edward Shirtraw

Edward Shirtraw enlisted on September 10, 1915, at age 38. He served with the 44th Battalion and the 176th Tunnelling Company.