Thursday 18 January 2007

Lieutenant Gordon Francis Armstrong, MC

Born on 18 October 1889 in Vars, Ontario - husband of Mrs. G.F. Armstrong, Ottawa, Ontario - enlistment paper notes trade as accountant, married, member of the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards for five years and the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles, for two years, height of 5 feet 10 inches, chest of 35 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 38th Battalion on 8 February 1915 - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - invalided to England on 25 November 1916 - seconded to the CTS [?] as an Assistant Instructor from 30 March 1917 to 6 May 1918 - seconded to the Air Ministry (War Office) from 7 May 1918 to 24 April 1919 during which time he was promoted to the rank of captain.

Awarded the Military Cross - citation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He established and maintained communication under intense fire, repeatedly going into the open to repair wires which had been cut. He displayed great courage and determination throughout." (announced by The London Gazette 21 December 1916) - unit recommendation from 21 November 1916: "He performed valuable work in the attack on Desire Trench near Petit Miraumont, Nov. 18/16. He gathered information regarding the new position, kept up communication with the front line, also helped bring in a wounded man."


(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; 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))

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