Sergeant Sidney Graham Haws, MM

Born on 1 December 1890 in Carleton Place, Ontario - son of Hannah Haws, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as railway employee, single, no current military service, previously served in the United States infantry (4.5 years), Methodist, height of 5 feet 2.25 inches, chest of 36 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 2 November 1915 (number 145345) - departed for overseas with the 77th Battalion on 19 June 1916 - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in England on 6 July 1916 - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 22 or 26 February 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 7 May 1917 - wounded on 22 May 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 28 May 1917 - returned to Canada on 12 June 1919 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Military Medal - unofficial[?] citation: "For most outstanding courage and initiative on the 16th March, 1918, during an enemy raid. This N.C.O. controlled his post during a very heavy barrage on our lines. He handled the situation in a most courageous and cool manner, and the better to control the bombing of his section and especially in order to have direct observation on a piece of 'dead' ground, he climbed on the parapet, and knelt there in order to be able to direct the section throughout the whole bombardment. His conduct had a splendid moral effect in steadying his men at a critical moment. Sgt. Haws has reputation [sic] in the Battalion as a fearless, cool and capable N.C.O., and thoroughly merits an immediate award." - unit recommendation dated 19 March 1918: "During enemy raid Mar. 16/18 this N.C.O. knelt on the parapet during the whole of the enemy barrage, in order to direct his men the better. He displayed a fearless, cool and capable manner throughout."

(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; Anonymous, An Historical Sketch of the Seventy-Seventh Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (Ottawa: War Publications Limited, 1926, p.107; 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))