92nd Battalon (48th Highlanders) 

and

13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada)

From Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum exhibit “Our Local Boys”: James Edward Patterson was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake. After being declined on several occasions by the military, James was finally able to enlist on December 15th, 1915 with the 92nd Highlanders. In May, 1916 James travelled overseas to Britain where he continued to train before joining the 13th Highlanders along the front lines of France in September of 1916. James continued to serve until August 27th, 1917 when he was buried in debris from a shell explosion and was badly injured. He returned to Canada and Niagara-on-the-Lake in April of 1918 to a hero’s welcome.

Excerpt on Pte James Edward Patterson, sourced from Niagara Historical Society’s 1923 book ”WHOSE DEBTORS WE ARE”, by Catherine Creed: “James Patterson, only son of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Patterson, tried to enlist a number of times, but though sound and well, did not come up to the required stature of a soldier. On December 15th, 1915, he was accepted in the 92nd Highlanders and went overseas with that Battalion in May, 1916. By September, he was in France on the Somme. On the 6th of October, he was wounded and sent back to England. On March 21st, 1917, he was sent back to France and served till August 27th, when he was buried by the explosion of a shell. He was badly crushed and was in the hospital for several months. He was sent back to Canada and arrived April 15, 1918. He was kept in hospital here till December 13, 1918, when he received his discharge. His term of service was just two days less than three years.”