In May of 1915, Grampa, with the 49th battalion went by train to Montreal, thereafter to be shipped out to Liverpool.  En route at a stop in Lestock, Saskatchewan, a young woman presented them with a coyote pup which became their mascot until they departed for France in October. The pet was named “Lestock” and when the battalion went to France, Lestock was given to a zoo in London.  I came across this photo in one of mom’s photo albums and subsequently found a website reference to the event.  It’s not difficult to see that it’s Grampa holding the coyote.

This summer (2017), I visited the 49th battalion museum in Edmonton and showed them the photo.  They were quite excited about it, saying it was the best photo of Lestock that they had seen.  I agreed to send them a high resolution photo which they will use in their display of Lestock, who is apparently a much revered part of the 49th battalion’s history.  In addition, Grampa (John Aldworth West)’s name will appear with the photo in the museum.