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The War Amps is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadian amputees.

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First World War amputee veteran Jack Balchin wearing his military medals.

1890-1977

Jack Balchin

The 1939 War Amps logo crafted onto a triangular wooden plaque.

Mr. Balchin made this wooden War Amps logo, which was presented to The War Amps in September 2005 by his daughter, Peggy, and remains on display at National Headquarters to this day.

John (Jack) Balchin was born on November 19, 1890, in London, England. He enlisted in the 8th Battalion C.M.R. (Canadian Mounted Rifles) in 1915 and served in England and France. On March 23, 1918, Mr. Balchin sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken as a prisoner of war. As a result of one of his wounds, his right leg was amputated above the knee.

After the war, Mr. Balchin joined The War Amps and was a founding member of the Ottawa Branch. During his time with the Association, he held almost every office within the branch, including President and Sergeant-at-Arms.

He was married to his wife, Ethel, who passed away in 1973. Mr. Balchin passed away on April 30, 1977.

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