John Arthur Hiley, having served with the Irish regiment from 15 Mar 33 to 29 Sep 33, enlisted in the 48th Highlanders of Canada on 2 Oct 1933 and remained with the reserve battalion until 6 Nov 1935, then again from 3 May 37 to 1939. He attested with the 1st Battalion on 6 Sept 39 in anticipation of the risk of war with Service Number B72759. With the battalion, 797 strong, he travelled by CN train from Toronto to Halifax, embarking 18 December 1939 on the Reina del Pacifico as part of the fleet that carried the 1st Canadian Contingent to England. The Reina del Pacifico disembarked in the Clyde on 30 December and the battalion transferred by train to Aldershot, Corunna Barracks arriving New Year’s morning. Hiley remained with the 1st Bn until 21 Mar 42 when he transferred to 1 Cdn Infantry Brigade HQ as a batman/driver. In June 1940 he was with the battalion for the “Foray to France” when the battalion was sent after the Dunkirk evacuation to bolster the French forces, returning later that month to England. He was sent to hospital then the convalescent depot from 13 July 43 to 17 Nov 43. On release he went to 4 CIRU where he passed his Mechanic Group “C”. Returning to Toronto in Feb 44 he was released from the army on 13 Mar 44.
NOK: Wife Mrs. J. Hiley – 50 Lappen Avenue, Toronto (later 165 Macdonell Ave, Toronto) – 2 Children: (Note: also 3 children in England, common law)
Mother: Agnes Ann Hiley, 3138A Dundas St W. Toronto