Private Walter Harris, MM and Bar, MSM

Born on 1 August 1897 in Redding, England - son of Mary Harris, Redding, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Omemee, Ontario, trade as labourer, single, no current or previous military service, Church of England, height of 5 feet 5 inches, chest of 34 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair.

Joined the 109th Battalion, CEF, in Omemee, Ontario, on 1 January 1916 (number 725101) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 - wounded on 8 April 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 10 April 1917 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 7 November 1917: "On Oct. 31/17 when a shell exploded causing ten casualties in his Platoon, he remained behind and with outstanding courage and devotion to duty, dressed their wounds under heavy shell fire."

Awarded the Bar to the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 7 September 1918: "For gallant service in dressing wounded near Dury during Scarpe Operations, Sept 1st and 2nd 1918. Recommended for D.C.M."

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 7 November 1917: "On Oct. 31/17 when a shell exploded causing ten casualties in his Platoon, he remained behind and with outstanding courage and devotion to duty, dressed their wounds under heavy shell fire."

(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))