Leo McKinnon - Lest We Forget

Leo McKinnon was born March 2, 1887 at Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. His brother, Hector McKinnon, was Revelstoke’s mayor for most of the war years.  Another brother, Joe, also lived here for many years, and with Hector, ran McKinnon’s Pool Hall on First Street. Leo gave his occupation as merchant on his attestation paper. He joined up with the Second Contingent of Canadian Volunteers to go overseas. He also had three sisters, who at the time of his death were living on the west coast.

Leo McKinnon signed his enlistment papers November 7, 1914 at Victoria. He was 27 years old, single, 5’ 3” tall with dark hair and dark eyes. His religious affiliation was Roman Catholic. After he reached the front in May of 1915 he sent home many letters which were printed in the local newspaper. He noted the names of the Revelstoke casualties, his experiences as a stretcher-bearer and the dangers of snipers and shelling. On one occasion shells burst around a party, of which he was one, while engaged in preparing tea. The tea was ruined, but all the party escaped. On another occasion a bullet ripped a sandbag he was carrying but he escaped injury. He said that he was trying to send off his diary if the officers would pass it. He also had some nerve-wracking experiences in no man’s land. He was eventually wounded at the battle of the Somme and spent some time in hospital in England. In January of 1917 he returned to action promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant.

Leo McKinnon died on April 9, 1917 at Vimy Ridge, one of 12 Revelstoke soldiers who died in that battle. He was 30 years old. At the time of his death he was a Lieutenant with the 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (British Columbia) Regiment. He is buried at the Nine Elms Military Cemetery, France.

In May of 1917 Maple trees were planted around the courthouse in memory of all the Revelstoke men who had perished in the war. It was the sad duty of Leo’s brother, Mayor Hector McKinnon to officiate at this ceremony. He said these words: “It is but a small thing to plant some trees in honour of our boys, but it will show they are not forgotten and will in years to come serve to remind these children assembled here today what they owe to the brave lads who gave up splendid positions and loved ones and adopted the Maple Leaf as their badge, many of them to go down to their death, that we might live in safety. Let us not forget them but prepare in a substantial way to receive with open arms those who may be spared to return.”

The name of Leo McKinnon is inscribed on the Courthouse and Cenotaph plaques.

Many family members still reside in Revelstoke.

Leo McKinnon on active service overseas during World War I