John Arthur Hiley enlisted in the 48th Highlanders of Canada on 20 February 1933 and remained with the reserve battalion until 11 June 1936. He reenlisted on 31 May 1939 in anticipation of the risk of war. Records then show him with Service Number B72759 as a member of the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders for overseas duty. 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. (further details not yet available)
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