Tuesday 26 February 2013

Private Lansing Affleck, MM

Born on 10 July 1895 in Lanark, Ontario - next of kin, Archie Affleck, father - attestation form states printer by trade, single, never previously a member of the militia, weight 130 lbs, height of 5 feet 5 inches, chest of 35.5 inches, fair complexion, grey eyes, dark hair, Baptist or Congregationalist.

Joined the 130th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 14 January 1916 (number 787101) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 15 November 1916 - transferred to the Canadian Machine Gun Corps on 1 May 1918 - wounded on 1 October 1918.

Awarded the Military Medal - unofficial citation (awarded by Corps Order 17 December 1917, announced by London Gazette, 2nd Supplement to No.30573, 13 March 1918): "For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during operations before PASSCHENDAELE from October 29th to November 2nd 1917.  This man was employed as a Runner and repeatedly volunteered for the most dangerous runs, when the shelling was such as would make it appear impossible for anyone to get through.  On the night of October 31st he delivered an important message under the most dangerous conditions and immediately volunteers to take out the next message although not his turn to do so.  His work was most inspiring to his fellow Runners." - unit recommendation dated 6 November 1917: "This man displayed exceptional gallantry in carrying out his duties as Battn. runner."

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Library and Archives Canada, Honours and Awards Citation Cards, via www.ancestry.ca; The London Gazette, 2nd Supplement to No.30573, 13 March 1918, p.3249; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117); Library and Archives Canada, Honours and Awards Citations Cards, via www.ancestry.ca)

2 comments:

Colin Affleck said...

Good day. I understand Lansing Affleck to have been my great great uncle on my fathers (Hugh) side. Curiously, I am told I met him. I was 2 years old at the time and remember only a small white haired chap with wonderful eyes. There was also a story that every so often he would disappear into the woods with some whisky and his rifle and could be heard shooting and swearing, though he never hurt a soul and alweays came home in a day ot two. It seems he bought some of the war home with him. Thanks for this.
Colin Affleck
L'orignal, Ont

Ken said...

Hi Colin,

Many thanks for your comment and the story. It's great when I hear such stories from family.

Thanks again,

Ken