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Originally born and raised in Scotland, James Hay and younger brother Alexander Hay came to Transcona in 1911 to work for the railway. As young, unmarried men, they lived on the second floor of the Transcona Municipal Office and Firehall, where as a part of their living arrangements, they served as volunteer firemen for the Town. Prior to their enlistment in the armed service, the brothers worked for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway at the Transcona Shops. Private James Hay volunteered to bear the King's uniform in battle. He enlisted with the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada on October 25, 1914 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was transferred to the 43rd Battalion, City of Winnipeg. James' brother Alexander enlisted sometime prior to March 1916 and served with the 100th Battalion, 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles.

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Pte. James Hay
1915
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

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Medals belonging to James Hay, who returned to Transcona and continued to work for the railway
1918
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

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Following the war, men like James Hay and his brother Alexander were recognized for their courage and sacrifice on the battlefield. They returned to Transcona, Manitoba and went back to their jobs at the railway. Within a short time, the brothers married women from Scotland (who the came to Canada) and they began a new life that included hopes for the future: peace, steady work, and family.

Thomas Beattie enlisted in 1914 at the outbreak of hostilities. In the memorable engagement at Ypres, he lay in the open, wounded for some time before aid reached him. He received an honourable discharge and returned to Transcona where he worked at the Transcona Railway Shops as a Policeman. Thomas reenlisted with the 61st battalion and subsequently was killed in action. News of his death appeared in an article published in the Transcona Times: "Five Transconians Killed in Action" on November 17, 1916.

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Article caption listing five Transconians killed in action
0000
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada


Credits:
Transcona Times

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James Hay retired from the Canadian National Railway in 1953. He died on March 28, 1977 and is buried in the Transcona Cemetery.

Thomas Beattie's name does not appear on the Cenotaph in Memorial Park Circle.