Lieutenant James Ignatius Joachim McCorkell
Born: Utney, ON
Died: Aug 12, 1918
Buried at Bouchoir New British Cemetery, Le Quesnel, France
Oh, the indomitable exuberance of youth. Their wide-eyed idealism is not only infectious but stubbornly resolute…especially to their more worldly, experienced elders. James McCorkell was one of those spirited young men. Born in Utney, ON, a mere crossing of roads situated southeast of Orillia, he grew up as an engaged and active young man. Taking to educating himself in the discipline of education, James, at the tender age of 18, became a school-teacher and worked in several schools in and around the area.
In the fall of 1915, as Canada was beginning to ramp up its’ recruitment drive, James signed up as a Lieutenant with the 116th Battalion. As a part of the officer corps, James was found to be an effective recruiter and was deployed to convince area men to sign up and join his boss, Sam Sharpe’s team. One can imagine watching this barely adult man, engaged, energetic idealist and proudly showing off his lieutenant stripes stand before crowds pf people at churches and community centers to promote the importance of duty, sacrifice and service. He was found to be so good at this job, that the Lt. Col asked him to help lead a second recruitment drive for the follow-up to the 116th, the 182nd when it was being raised.
In his history of his service in the Great War, James was sent overseas with the 182nd in May of 1917. Throughout 1917 up until February of 1918, he was stationed in England with the 2nd Reserve Battalion followed by the 3rd Reserve Battalion. Finally, he was given the opportunity to join the campaign when he was sent to France and transferred to the 116th.
James McCorkell’s story came to an end just after August 8th and the storied battle of Amiens. In this action the 116th broke out alongside their fellow Canadian countrymen and helped kick off Canada’s 100 Days. The battalion was situated just east of Amiens at Bois de Gentelles. With this final push, the war transitioned from one of stagnation to one of movement. Every day the 116th moved further and further east pushing back the Germans as they advanced. By the evening of the 12th they were positioned to capture a section known as Middle Wood located near the town of Le Quesnel. Lt McCorkell ventured out with an NCO to establish communication with the unit on their right when tragedy stuck. An enemy shell zeroed in on him killing him instantly. 14 other men from the 116th fell that day, some whose remains are interred at Bouchoir New British Cemetery and a number whose remains were never recovered. The enthusiastic, promising leader was missed by his just married wife, his battalion, his community and the students he left behind.
Lest we forget.
Totally irrelevant note: If you find yourself lost while driving around rural Ontario and somehow stumble into James hometown of Utney, they have a wonderful little roadside chippy that sells the tastiest homemade jam. Yum Yum!