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85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)

Documents

Farewell Card

This section contains images of a printed fold out card with a farewell message from Lt-Col. Ralston, the commanding officer of the 85th Battalion. These cards were addressed and given to the men of the battalion in June, 1919, while they were on board the troop transport Adriatic and on their way home.

The card is addressed to J.F. O'Connell and dated June 5, 1919. James Francis O'Connell was born in Londonderry, Colchester County, NS. He enlisted in the 219th Battalion (Overseas Highland Battalion) in March of 1916, and went overseas with them in October of the same year. In December, while in England, he transferred to the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders). He was wounded on September 2, 1918, during the battle of the Scarpe in France. 

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