One of the smallest soldiers in the CEF, the true identity of Private Joseph Henry Quinn now known.
“The smallest man in the Canadians (10th Battalion?), age 15, enlisted in November 1914 at Vancouver. His name was Pte J. Quinn, 57 inches in height, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand at Lens in January 1918. Came from Victoria.”
MIKAN 3404836 annotation
Enlistment of Joseph Henry Quinn
Joseph Henry Quinn 478825, 4′ and 9 3/4″ tall. He came from 162 North Street, Halifax, NS. Born 2 September 1899. Joined the Royal Canadian Regiment. Though only 92 pounds, by the time he discharged, he stood 5′ 2″ or 4″ tall at 147 pounds.
Examined at Halifax on 29 November 1915 as part of the RCR Reinforcing draft.
England
Private Joseph Henry Quinn ToS of the RCR on 6 July 1916. Transferred to the 7th Reserve Battalion at Seaford on 1 January 1917.
He had tonsilitis 24 January 1917 at Raven’s Croft Military Hospital, Seaford and later transferred to Canadian Military Hospital at Eastbourne for treatment of eczema in the ear.
Private Joseph Henry Quinn transferred to the 26th Reserve Battalion on 6 February 1917 at Seaford.
Transferred to the Boys Battalion (34th Battalion) on 3 August 1917 at Bramshott.
Appointed Lance Corporal on 6 August 1917. Less than two weeks later, Quinn on trial.
Court Martial
Sentenced to 6 months imprisonment without hard labour with recommendation to mercy for stealing goods the property of a comrade and stealing money, also the property of a comrade. Three months remitted by his OC at Hastings. Reverts to previous grade.
Somehow, two photos made it into the O-Series (there is no evidence he went to France).
Discharged
Private Joseph Henry Quinn SoS to Canada on 25 November 1918. His character and conduct noted as “indifferent” upon his discharge at Halifax.
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