Private Thomas Forbes McLellan (428231) enlisted in the Canadian Military four times between March 1915 and October 1918. Unfortunately, aside from one reference to an earlier discharge due to a shrapnel wound to the head, the records do not indicate why McLellan had to enlist so frequently.

His first set of attestation papers are from March 22 1915. His medical examination took place in New Westminster, B.C. He indicates that he's currently active in the 72nd LH or SH. Both his current and his next of kin's (his wife Sarah's) address are in Glasgow, Scotland. I understand it can be incredible difficult to track down British records from WWI as over half of the documents were destroyed during bombing raids during the Second World War, but I am curious if Private McLellan served or tried to serve in the British forces in WWI before switching to Canada, and why did he opt to join the Canadian Forces?

His next set of attestation papers from April 5 1917 only notes previous service with the Highland Light Infantry in Glasglow. His attestation papers indicate that he was never discharged as medically unfit or rejected from service in the forces. (I wonder how long McLellan's initial commitment was and if that explains the second set of attestation papers?)

Private McLellan's third set of attestation papers are dated June 15 1918. He was living at a hotel in Regina at the time, which is where he enlisted. They list him as being Fit (A2).

His final set of attestation papers from October 1918 notes that he had served for 38 months with the 7th Overseas Battalion before being medically discharged due to shrapnel wounds to the head. He was once again declared medically fit, although the records do note 3 scars on the left side of his scalp.

On a side note, Private McLellan's height changes with each enlistment. In March of 1915 he's 5'5 1/4, in April 1917 he's down to 5'4 1/2, but in June of 1918 he's up to 5'6, before dropping back down to 5'5 3/4 in October 1918.