Overview of the Pilon Attestation Records


Among the attestation records of the Canadian Expeditionary Force held at the National Archives of Canada, there are 135 records which relate to Pilons (1 is actually a Pillon).  At first glance this appears to be a large number of Pilons, however, it is important to note that following the passing of the Conscription Act of 1917, individuals were drafted and attestation records were actually opened and serial numbers assigned before the individual had actually shown up to enlist on the day and at the place indicated on the draft notice.  Consequently, of the 135 attestation records examined, 46 (34%) contained no information about the individuals or the individuals never completed the enlistment process (they may have shown up for their medical examinations, but they never returned to actually enlist).  The usual process allowed a 20 day waiting period, after which the individual was declared a deserter.  While a general amnesty was declared for deserters after the war had ended, those apprehended during the war faced severe penalties.  In one instance, the individual was sentenced to 6 months of hard labour.

From this point onwards, the analysis will deal only with the remaining 89 individuals who enlisted and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.  A most important point to make before any other information is considered, is the fact that of the 89 CEF members, one was a woman, Nursing Sister Exaurée Pilon, one of a small handful of Nursing Sisters who dedicated themselves to helping tend to the injured Canadians on the battlefields of Europe. She served with distinction, enlisting in March of 1915. She was finally demobilized in March of 1919, having spent most of her time in hospitals in France. She even received a decoration from the French government in 1920 for her service, the "Médaille des Épidémies en Argent" (click here to learn more about the Nursing Sisters of WWI).
 

Overview Place of Birth
Rank Year of Enlistment
Where They Served Coincident Enlistments
Multiple Enlistments Medals and Decorations
What They Looked Like

Another Pilon Story
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