James Melburn McDonald - 844846

James Melburn McDonald was born on 3 January 1898 in Sombra Township, Ontario to Murdock and Mary McDonald.  On 10 March 1916, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Brigden, Ontario, and joined the 149^th Battalion as a Private.  Prior to this, he had been working as a farmer in Brigden.

On 12 June 1916, Private McDonald was admitted to the Military Hospital in London, Ontario with Measles and Spinal Meningitis.  James Melburn McDonald passed away on 24 June 1916, likely due to these diseases.  He is buried in Bradshaw United Cemetery in Bradshaw, Ontario.  His headstone reads (ref B):

844846 PRIVATE

JAMES M. MCDONALD

149^TH BATT CEF

26^TH JUNE 1916

HE DIED FOR FREEDOM

AND HONOR

References:

A. https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Record?app=pffww&IdNumber=148394&q_type_1=q&q_1=james%20melburn%20mcdonald&ecopy=522928a

B. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/100680079/james-melburn-mcdonald

C. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2756060/james-m-mcdonald/