John Crane
John Crane's service with the 41st Company CFC began uneventfully. In July 1918, however, he was under stoppage of pay while in hospital - a common punishment for venereal disease and other illnesses caused by behaviours that contravened military discipline. There followed two fines and an admonishment for absence without leave, and then a court-martial for joining in a mutiny.
At Kinmel Park, where Crane had been stationed to await transport home, discontent and impatience erupted on 4-5 March 1919. As many as 1,000 men looted mess halls, canteens, and YMCA facilities. Five were killed and 28 wounded in a sudden outbreak of armed violence.
Crane was one of 51 Canadians court-martialed and 27 convicted for taking part in the riot. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment and was discharged for misconduct in September 1919.