Pen and ink drawing by Lt J E Banton of three Highlanders prone on the ground under shelling at Canal du Nord. Heading “Canal du Nord” across top; “Say Andy, who was that guy who called this peaceful penetration?” at bottom of drawing; signature, location and date in bottom right corner.
Private John Erwin Banton attested into the 92nd Battalion CEF on 14 Aug 1915. He rose to the rank of Sgt in the 92nd Battalion but was reduced in rank when he was sent in a reinforcement draft to the 15th Battalion, No. 1 Company, No. 4 Platoon, Bombing section. He was commissioned from the rank of Corporal in early 1918 and finished the war as a Lieutenant with the 15th Battalion.
Lt John E. Banton was the unofficial artist of the 15th Battalion whose pencil sketches depicted life at the Front and in the trenches. These period sketches are preserved in the archives of the 48th Highlanders Regimental museum.
His son Major D. Banton served with the 1st Bn 48th Highlanders during World War II.