To the question, 'In which town were you born?', he answered, 'Do not know'.

Disembarked Alexandria from Mudros, 9 January 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 26 March 1916. Taken on strength, 2nd Pioneer Bn, 14 March 1916.

Admitted to 1/1 South Midland Division Casualty Clearing Station, 7 February 1917; transferred to 5th General Hospital, Rouen, 9 February 1917 (renal colic); to England, 13 February 1917, and admitted to Cheltenham Voluntary Aid Detachment, Cheltenham Grammar, 10 February 1917; to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, 16 April 1917; discharged on furlough, 7 May 1917, to report to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs, 22 May 1917.

Marched in to Pioneer Training Bn, Fovant, 26 May 1917.

Died of disease (ulceration of stomach), Military Hospital, Fovant, 20 August 1917.

Base Records wrote to Miss R. Canavan, 8 December 1917: 'Captain Sinclair of Fovant reports "Private Canavan was seriously ill for one week, and appeared to know that he was dying. He served under me in France for over 12 months, and proved himself to be a good and brave Soldier."'