Sapper John James Young was born in Lingfield, Surrey, England, on March 2, 1885. His date of immigration to Canada is unknown. Prior to enlistment Young had served four months with the 88th Regiment Victoria Fusiliers.

Enlisting on March 18, 1915, in Victoria, British Columbia, Young joined the 48th Battalion (redesignated as the 3rd Canadian Pioneers in January 1916). He sailed for England in July 1915. Young was deployed to France the following March, where he served mainly with the 123rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. He returned to Canada at the end of the war and was discharged in May 1919.

Young was married during the war while on leave to England in December 1916. The maiden name of his wartime bride, Mrs. Gladys M. Young, is unknown.

Content notes:
The collection contains two diaries kept by Young, covering the period of Jan. 1, 1917, to Sept. 25, 1918. Transcription is limited at this time to Aug. and Sept. 1918 only, a period during which the Allies began the Hundred Days Offensive that would bring the war to an end. Also included are two paybooks and a 1919 military-issued receipt listing “Articles of Personal Equipment.”

External links:
Spr. John James Young’s service record (Serv/Reg# 430710) can be viewed/downloaded in pdf format through Library and Archives Canada.