Private Harry Heald
Harry Heald was born in Paris on May 31 1889, though he was living in Beachville, southwest of Woodstock when he enlisted with the 71st Battalion in London. He was working as a moulder. Before the war, he served for three years with the 25th Brant Dragoons.
He arrived in England aboard the Olympic on April 11, 1916. He transferred to the 51st Battalion on July 1. However, his military career was very brief. He was admitted to the hospital in Bramshott on November 3, 1916. Harry complained of a burning sensation on the left side of his chest. He said he had been ill eight months ago with bronchitis and had felt ill ever since. Also, his sister had died of tuberculosis.
Harry was serving with the 71st Battalion on December 28, 1916 when he was evaluated by the Medical Board at the Discharge Depot in Quebec. They confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. They determined that the degree of incapacity was total and rendered him permanently unfit for military duty. The doctors recommended placement in a sanatorium. He was discharged in Montreal on February 16.
He returned to Ontario, to Victoria Hospital in London. Private Harry Heald died of tubercular Meningitis on June 14, 1917. He is buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London in the Military Section.