Ross Rifle Company bayonet with brown leather sheath- 1907 pattern

Standard issue bayonet is missing the barrel ring as it was broken off or removed and used in farm work after Mitchell Oke was discharged.  Both bayonet and sheath are well worn.

On the metal hilt is the number 7-09.  On the brown leather sheath is stamped 15-171

Pte Mitchell Oke , Wishe Khahientahaha, was a Mohawk of Handenosaunee Turtle Clan in Cornwall Ontario and lived on the Akwesasne Mohawk Native Reservation.  He enlisted in the 253rd Infantry Battalion in April 1917 and sailed to Europe on the SS Olympia.  There he was transferred to the 15th Infantry Battalion, 48th Highlanders on 24 November 1917 in France.  Wishe ( Mitchell) was wounded twice, in the hip in April 1918, and again in the leg in September 1918.  He recovered from both wounds and it is likely that he served at the Battle of Amiens, the Drocourt -Queant Line and at Canal du Nord.  Wishe (Mitchell) returned home in March 1919 and continued farming ( possible blacksmithing) in the Cornwall area.

Wishe (Mitchell ) had three other brothers who served in WW1.

Pte. Frank Peters 53182  – 60th Battalion -survived

Pte. Alex Peters 633145 – 21st Battalion -killed in action Dec 16, 1917 buried at Aubigny, France  Plot 3, Row F, Grave 53

Pte John ( Shawatis) Oke Peters 109210 – 253 Queens University Battalion  –  survived