Deseronto Archives

Joseph Sirois signed up in Quebec on this day in 1916, the first of three enlistments for this man. He was born in Deseronto on August 10th, 1896, the son of Joseph Sirois senior and Marie Louise (née Bilodeau), who were both born in Quebec.

Sirois joined the 167th Battalion with the regimental number 672461. He was five feet two and a half inches tall, with a dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair. His service record shows that he was struck off as a deserter in May 1916.

Joseph signed up again in 1917, in Sudbury on April 2nd for the No. 1 Forestry Draft (spelling his name Sirroy). He signed up again on April 15th in Brockville. On both of these attestation papers his regimental number was 2198435. He arrived in England on May 14th, 1917 and was in France with the Canadian Forestry Corps by June 17th. In October 1918 he was transferred to the 13th Battalion.

Sirois seems to have had a troubled career in the Forestry Corps. His service record has several instances where he was punished for various infractions.

7.7.17 46th Coy. Sentenced to 14 days F.P. No. 2 for “A.W.L. from 9.30 PM 2.7.17 to 10pm 2.7.17 (2) Drunkenness (3) Committing a nuisance in tent

15.9.17 46 Co. Sentenced to 15 days F.P. No. 2 12/9/17 for “Refusing to obey an order given by a Superior Officer”

Joseph left Liverpool on the SS Baltic on June 26th and was demobilized on July 11th, 1919.