George Kirkham was raised on a homestead outside Parry Sound, Ontario. His father Billie, had acquired 100 acres that included a lake - Loch Erne. Billie and Sarah Kirkham raised 10 children on the farm. Their son and my Grandfather George Kirkham worked the farm and beginning at 12 years old was employed in the lumber camps found throughout the district. George joined the 162nd Battalion located in Parry Sound, Ontario on February 25th, 1916. He was to train at McKellar, Sundridge, Camp Niagara and finally Camp Shorncliffe in England. He was transferred to the 2nd Pioneers and served at Vimy Ridge with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). George was wounded just 5 days before the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Monday, April 9th, 1917. Private Kirkham spent the rest of the war in England recupersationg from his wounds.

Upon his return to Canada, George married Blanche Haselhurst from McKellar. He lived the rest of his life at 24 Broadview Avenue, Port Cedit, Ontario. This is his story ......