Thomas Lloyd Nixon - 808679
- Sean Maas-Stevens
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Thomas Lloyd Nixon was born in Brigden, Ontario on 28 December 1897 to Thomas and Lydia Nixon. While attending the Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, Thomas enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 21 February 1916. He began his service as a Private with the 137th Battalion, which would one day be perpetuated as part of the Calgary Highlanders.
In February of 1916 he was transferred to the Staff Signal Section, and in May was promoted to Corporal. While in Canada, he was found to be Away Without Leave (AWL) and forfeit 4 days’ pay. In June, he spent time in the Hospital in Calgary, suffering from Measles.
In August of 1916, he travelled from Halifax to Liverpool, UK, and his rank was likely reverted to Private. On 21 August 1916, Private Nixon was promoted to acting Corporal, though roughly two weeks later he requested to be reverted back to Private. This reversion was short-lived, as in October, he was promoted once again to Acting Signal Corporal. From there, in January 1917, he was transferred to the 21st Reserve Battalion in Seaford. In February, he was moved once again to the 202nd Battalion in Bramshott. Once more, Nixon requested to revert back to Private before being sent overseas with the 10th Battalion.
Throughout July, August and September of 1917, Corporal Nixon spent time in and out of the hospital, with details on his Medical History Sheet listing it as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO), potentially Trench Fever.
On 2 September 1918, Corporal Nixon suffered a gunshot wound (GSW) to the left shoulder which fractured his humerus. Medical statements indicated that the fragments were “in good position.” (Ref A) He was treated at Shornecliffe, UK through December 1918, and in March 1919 Corporal Nixon was sent home to Canada to continue treatment.
The injury Corporal Nixon sustained was such that he could not close his left hand completely, and could not bend his elbow beyond 75 degrees. The report read “Hand cannot be made to touch the mouth.” (Ref A) The scar that was left from the exit wound was recorded to be 7 inches long.
Corporal Nixon was discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 29 July 1919, having been found “medically unfit.” (Ref A) He returned to Alberta, and passed away 14 February 1954 at the age of 56 years. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
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