Ernest Isherwood was born on the 10th sept 1892, in Manchester, Lancashire, England. He joined the 4CMR on Nov 27th 1914, in Toronto. He was a farmer by trade, but had also served four years in the British Army, serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

When he joined he was 22 years old and 5ft 7 1/2 inches tall, with fair hair and blue eyes. He must have been a good boxer, as he won a gold medal, 1st prize, in the 145lbs boxing championships at Valcartier Camp in July 1915, just before he was posted to France. Earnest continued to serve in France, Flanders and England throughout the War.

He was at the Battle of Mount Sorrel, being buried by a shell on the 2nd of June 1916. While in England he met his wife and they were married in 1917. He returned to Canada in 1919 and continued farming. Unfortunately he died from the effects of bronchitis, which he had contracted during the War, in the late 20s or early 30s. His wife and two young boys returned to England.

His service papers record that he was awarded the Military Medal 8-11-1916. I cannot confirm this and it is not mentioned in the Regimental History or on any of the other documents. There are some notes on his papers which may mean that this was a mistake, or the wrong man? He was serving in England at this time. If anyone can shed any light on this, we would be most grateful.

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Many thanks to Nick Penrose for the above biography. The MM query is being looked into, and details will appear here as soon as we have them.