VANKOUGNETT, PTE WALTER FRANKLIN - Regimental # 657272
Walter Franklin Vankougnett was born August 31. 1888 in Foley Township. At the time of his enlistment in the 162nd on December 28, 1915 he lived in Dunchurch and list his next of kin as his mother Mary Jane Vankoughnett (later Mary Jane Hannah).
Walter sailed with the 162nd to England, departing Canada October 31, 1916.
Below, Walter Vankoughnett:
Walter arrived in England on Nov. 11, 1916 and in December was transferred from the 16nd to the 35th Reserve Regiment, but was reassigned to the 4th Reserve Battalion. In February he was reassigned from the 4th to the Forestry Group Base Depot.
In February/March, Walter was transferred to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre - centre where wounded were assessed for either further treatment or return to duty) and then to W.O.R.D.(Western Ontario Regional Depot).
The Military records note that at age 19 Walter was kicked by a horse and sustained a fractured skull in left fronto-parietal region. He was unconscious for 5 days and on recovering consciousness the right side of his body was paralyzed and he could not speak. This paralysis had gradually cleared up and only the weakness of grip in his right hand remained. He also suffered epileptic fits with the last one being in the spring of 1916. In training it became apparent that he played out and had shortness of breath and so was transferred to the Forestry Corps. While in the Corps he over-exerted himself resulting in hospitalization.
On February 19, 1917 Walter was assigned to the Canadian Forestry Corps.
He was discharged May 28, 1918.
