1066285 Pte. Clayton Harris was born on December 13th, 1895, in Algora, Ontario. He was the eldest son of William and Fanny Harris and grew up on the family farm, where he was working when he attested to the 248th Battalion, actually signing on in Toronto, on May 9th, 1917.
His attestation papers were signed in Toronto at the military's mobilization centre in what appears to be an effort to increase the 248th Battalion's strength prior to its departure for overseas. The Battalion had received its marching orders in early May and the unit sailed that June.
Upon arrival in England the 248th Battalion was absorbed into the 8th Reserve Battalion whose mandate was to supply reinforcements to the 58th Battalion and the 4th C.M.R.
Clayton was taken on strength of the 4th C.M.R. in the field on December 9th, 1917, whilst the unit was being billeted in Equin-les-Mines. Serving with the unit through the winter, Percy took part in the Battle of Amiens and then the Battle of Arras where he was gassed on August 26th, 1918.
Medically evacuated, Clayton returned to the unit in early October, just in time to take part in the actions that would lead to the liberation of Mons.
Granted 7 days leave to Paris on November 9th, 1918, Clayton eventually returned on November 30th. However, Clayton suffered an accidental shoulder sprain on January 25th, 1919, which would lead to further medical attention in Orpington, England. He was finally signed off medically fit on February 15th, 1919.
1066285 Private Clayton Harris was struck off strength of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on July 11th, 1919.
Credit and many thanks go George Auer for the above biography.