Deseronto Archives

Nelson Maracle signed up in Simcoe, Ontario on this day in 1916. He stated that he was born in Deseronto on March 3rd, 1888 and he gave his next of kin as his wife, Clare. They were living in Vanessa when he enlisted. He had previously served in the 49th Regiment.

Nelson joined the 133rd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force with the regimental number 797660. He was five feet six inches tall, with a dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair. His service record shows that he was struck off the strength of the battalion on July 8th, 1916 for being illegally absent.

S.O.S. 8-7-16. Illegally Absent. Sentenced to one year in jail for A.W.L. [Absent Without Leave]

Maracle was taken on the strength of the Canadian Mounted Rifles on December 11th, 1916 and was finally discharged on February 10th, 1917, as a deserter.