Private Leo Beaulieu, MM

Born on 14 June 1892 in Yamachiche, Quebec - son of Mrs. Rebecca Gelinas, St. Maurice Co., Quebec - attestation form notes trade as bridge builder, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 3 inches, chest of 37 inches, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair, Roman Catholic.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 12 July 1915 (number 144051) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Bermuda on 6 December 1915 - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 29 September 1918 - invalided to England on 8 October 1918 - died of those wounds on 21 October 1918 - buried in Birmingham (Lodge Hill) Cemetery (grave Screen Wall B10, 603), England.

Awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 30287, dated 17 September 1917) - "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when, as a member of the Scout Section, he rendered splendid service during the attack on La Coulotte and Avion from 26th to 28th June, 1917. On the afternoon of June 27th, he accompanied Lieut. Menzies and, together, they reconnoitred, ascertaining the disposition of the enemy. On the afternoon of June 28th, he, with No. 725100, Pte. P.C. Mills, accompanied Lieut. Menzies. The information he gained greatly assisted the Scout Officer in his reports and as the party was leaving, they were attacked from a flank by a party of the enemy who endeavoured to cut off their withdrawal. Pte. Beaulieu showed a disposition to stand and fight, but was ordered to retire by Lieut. Menzies. Pte. Beaulieu is one of the most consistent snipers in the battalion as well as being a very clever scout. In the recent operations, Pte. Beaulieu acted as guide to the advanced posts under heavy shell fire. A.F.W. 3121, 27-7-17." - unit recommendation dated 3 July 1917: "He rendered splendid service in the capacity of Battn. Scout during attack on La Coulotte and Avion."

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; 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); Anonymous, An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926), p.177)