Wallace, James Everett

James Wallace was born on September 7, 1892 in Inwood, Ontario to parents Alfred and Euphemia Wallace. He grew up in a large family which included his brothers John, Daniel, Duncan and George, and sisters Euphemia, Margaret and Annie. By 1907, the family had moved to Alberta, making their home in Albion Ridge, a farming district near Lethbridge. James was working on the farm at time of enlistment. On December 15, 1915, James Wallace enlisted with the 113th Battalion CEF Lethbridge Highlanders. He left Calgary as a Corporal and Instructor of Musketry, and upon arrival in England on October 6, 1916, was teaching musketry at the instruction school. By this time, he had been promoted to Sergeant. Eager to do his part on the frontlines, Sergeant Wallace took a voluntary demotion to Private. He arrived in France on November 14, 1916 and was taken on strength by the 43rd Battalion CEF. Pte Wallace served in the trenches with the 43rd Battalion for nearly a year, seeing action in France and Flanders. On October 23, 1917, while serving at Passchendaele, Pte Wallace was killed in action. He was laid to rest at Tyne Cot Cemetery. James Wallace was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Euphemia received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son