Friday 1 March 2013

Sergeant Robert Armishaw, MM

Born on 22 November 1894 in Walsall, South Staffordshire, England - son of Herbert Armishaw, South Wellington, British Columbia - attestation form notes trade as miner, single, not now nor previously a member of the military, height of 5 feet 6.5 inches, chest of 36 inches, fair complexion, grey eyes, light brown hair, Methodist.

Joined the 121st Canadian Infantry Battalion on 2 November 1915 (number 760069) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 15 November 1916 - wounded on 28 September 1918 - invalided to England on 4 October 1918.

Awarded the Military Medal on 17 September 1917 - unofficial citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near AVION, during the operations from 26th to 28th June, 1917.  When in AVION TRENCH this Non-commissioned Officer had charge of a bombing Group which while the work of consolidation was going on and afterwards was in an exposed position and subjected to very heavy shell fire. By showing and [sic] example of coolness and daring himself, he was successful in keeping his Section at all times under perfect control, and directed most effective rifle grenade fire on enemy posts. So well did he arrange the disposition of his men, he brought his Section through the engagement without any casualties.” (awarded by Corps Order 31 July 1917) - unit recommendation date unknown: "For bravery in the Field."

(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, 5th Suplement to No.30287, 17 September 1917, p.9614; 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))

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Robert Armishaw was my 4th cousin 3 times removed. He died long before I was born. It is nice to see that his service to his country is remembered.

Anonymous said...

My grandfather Herbert's brother. Father of my uncle Bob, Aunts Kathleen, Peggy and Florence. Married to Ethel. After his death and the death of my grandfather Herbert's wife, Ethel and Herbert married. Oh, the tangled web we weave!