John Leonard Shook was born 7 Dec 1888 at Springfield, Ontario. A mechanic, Shook was a Canadian living at Detroit, Michigan, USA, when he attested for service with the CEF. ...He landed in France [on 23 Dec 1916], and joined the Canadian Base Depot until he joined the unit. A month later, on 20 Jan 1917, John Shook joined a draft heading to the Front and departed the C.B.D. He arrived at the unit lines three days later and was taken on strength, The RCR, in the field on 23 Jan 1917, as the Regiment proceeded to Divisional Reserve at Mont St. Eloy. ...On 29 Aug 1918, John Shook had a negligent discharge from his service rifle while he was preparing to clean it in billets. The ricocheting bullet struck and wounded his fellow soldier, Private Spencer.On 22 Sep 1918, a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) was convened by the commander of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade for the purpose of trying Pte Shook for his crime.
