766744 Pioneer John Alfred Wright was born 12 September, 1887, in Uxbridge, Ontario the son of John Wright and Hannah Cathetta Wright (nee Craig). On 7 December, 1915, at 28 years of age, he was recruited by QOR and was assigned to the 123^rd Battalion Royal Grenadiers in Toronto ON. He was a farmer and was married to Mary Florence Wright (nee Hardie) on 21 July, 1916

Landing in France 10 March 1917, he died of wounds 23 April 1917, at No. 3 Canadian Field Hospital.

The 123^rd Battalion was originally designated as Infantry but was later converted into a Pioneer Battalion. Pioneer Battalions suffered many casualties as they were often placed ahead of the Infantry units, clearing the ground and denying the enemy access to friendly lines. Pnr Wright suffered wounds to his face, chest and right leg, possibly shrapnel from an artillery round.

He is buried at Saint Catherine British Cemetery, France.

His War records can be found here.

With research from Cpl Sundeep Badial who carries Wright’s Coin of Remembrance.