Alternate name(s):
John; George
Nickname:
Jim
Date of birth:
Tuesday, 5 July 1910
Ethnicity/Nationality:
Scottish
Profession:
fisherman
Hometown(s):
Vancouver, British Columbia; Scotland
Date of Immigration to Canada:
1937
Political affiliation:
Possibly Communist Party of Canada
Prior military experience:
No prior military experience
Approximate date arrived in Spain:
1937-11-29; 1938-01-00 arrived
Unit:
Mackenzie Papineau Battalion, Company 3 ammunition bearer in Azauara 11 March 1938 when he escaped capture with Grenier, Sanborn, Higgins, and the Henderson brothers
Final status:
WIA, shot in ankle 1 April 1938, fell behind during the retreat as a result; Evaded capture for 11 weeks before being taken POW and sent to San Pedro de Cardeña in July 1938; Transferred to Zaragoza Provincial Prison then to Burgos Provincial Prison, Valdenoceda Prison, and Bilbao Prison; Released in April 1940; Returned to England 1 April 1940; Not allowed to return to Canada, Cameron was unemployed and supported by a small stipend from the International Brigade Association; In 1944 he joined the Merchant Marine and continued sailing until 1960 when he retired in London; Member of the Mackenzie Papineau Veterans Association
Sources:
Figueres List; RGASPI Fond 545, Opis 6, Delo 544, ll. 5-6; Geiser (pp. 235- 236); Hoar p. 178; Momryk; Petrou.
