77567 CSM Wykes, James Baker enlisted with the 30th Battalion on 10 November 1914, He was born on 21 Dec 1890 in Manchester, Lancashire, England and gave his next of kin as his father James at 112 Gardner Rd, Prestwick, Lancs, England.
He was taken on strength of the 15th Battalion, 48th Highlanders on 3 May 1915 to replenish the battalion who lost 667 Highlanders (killed, wounded, missing) at the battle of 2nd Ypres when the 15th battalion were the Canadians attacked by the first chlorine gas attack of the war on 24 April. He was made L/Corporal on 18 April 1916, Cpl on 3 June 1916 and Sgt on 17 June 1916.
Sgt Wykes received a gun shot wound to his left hand at The Somme on 6 September 1916 and was back with the battalion on 14 October. He was made CSM (WOII) on 2 January 1917. CSM Wykes received a Shrapnel wound to his left forearm at Vimy Ridge on 11 April 1917. He was sent back to England for recovery and eventually discharged there on 23 August 1919. While in England he married on 26 January 1919 and changed NOK to Mrs. Lilian F. Wykes at Rickman Rd., Plaistow, Nr Billingshurst Sussex (Later changed to Rhianja, Sandy Lane, Prestatyn, Wales).
NOK: Father – James Wykes, 112 Gardner Rd. Prestwick, Lancs, England, later changed to C. Wykes (Mother) 74 New St., Milnsbridge, Yorkshire, England