Soldiers project: John Henry Henderson

In order to prepare for their upcoming journey to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, students from across Canada research the life and death of a particular soldier in order to better understand and relate to the circumstances faced by so many young men and their families. Researching primary documents found online, the students provided brief biographies of these extraordinary men. Here is one such project:

Private John Henry Henderson
By Reece S., Explorica traveller

Private 228826
42^nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Quebec Regiment
1^st reinforcement company
Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF)

Personal Information
John Henry Henderson was born on March 24^th, 1873 in Wrexham, North Wales. There is no information on his parents or when he moved to Montreal. However, in his enlistment attestation papers, he says he does not know any other family members as he was raised by his friends. At the time of enlistment (July 17, 1916. 43 years old), he lived on 875 Catherine St. West, Montreal, Québec with a friend named Mrs. Annie Rimmer, to whom he wishes to leave all of his possessions in the case of his passing. He is 5 feet, 3 inches tall with dark hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He was known as a single man who worked as a milk driver, but also had prior experience working with the local militia. He died a Methodist during the battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9^th, 1917.

Medical Information
Apart from some dental issues, John Henderson was described as a healthy man who was deemed fit for battle immediately.

Military Movements
At the age of 43, John Henry Henderson enlisted on July 17, 1916 in Montreal with the 42^nd battalion. Henderson left Halifax aboard the S.S. Olympic and arrived in Liverpool, England on Dec 28^th, 1916. Then was taken on strength into the 92^nd Battalion upon arrival in East Sandling.

From the 92^nd Battalion, he was then transferred to the 5^th reserve Battalion (January 4^th, 1917), taken on strength to the 20^th Battalion (January 30^th, 1917), and finally taken on strength back to the 42^nd Battalion after landing in France (March 5^th, 1917).

He then trained with the 42^nd Battalion up to the last light of day on the 6^th of April, just a few days before the barrage of artillery and the push over the German fortified Vimy Ridge (the right side of Hill 145), which would start at 5:30 am on April 9^th.

Information is available that while taking part in the attack on Vimy Ridge (April 9^th, 1917) he was instantly killed by the explosion of an enemy shell and completely buried in the debris. Previously reported Missing, now Killed in Action.