Born on 23 January 1894 in Belleville, Ontario - next of kin listed as H.F. Ketcheson, Belleville, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1914: trade as student; single; currently a member of the 94th Regiment; no previous military service; Methodist; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 39 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.
Joined the 21st Battalion, CEF, in Kingston, Ontario, on 9 November 1914 (number 59545) - landed in France with the 21st Battalion on 14 September 1915 - transferred to the 4th Infantry Brigade or 4th Divisional Machine Gun Company on 26 December 1915 - invalided sick to England on 12 June 1916 - transferred to the Canadian Machine Gun Depot, CEF, and commissioned as a Lieutenant on 20 November 1916 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, as a Lieutenant on 1 December 1916 - wounded on 22 February 1917 - invalided to England on 14 March 1917.
Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party. Although wounded, he continued in command of his men, and led the assault on the enemy trench in a most determined manner. Later, he was again severely wounded." - unit recommendation date unknown: "For gallantry and devotion to duty. Raid Feb 22."
(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))
3 comments:
Here's what I have on him. Thanks for the addtional details
Ketcheson David Vandwater 59545 Pte - Ltn ENR, from Belleville On, son of the mayor, from 49th Regt, wounded through back lost use of right shoulder DBW 1 Mar 1917, wounded home DBW 25 July 1917,
Sarge
PS DBW stands for Daily British Whig, the Kingston paper.
ENR indicates he was on the embarkation nominal roll of the 21st.
Hello, I'm actually David's Great-Granddaughter. I've just got a question in regards to the first time he was invalidated to England- why exactly was he sent back? I've heard various stories from family members, but no one seems to be sure exactly what happened.
Thanks!
Meagan
Hi! I'm David's Great-Granddaughter, and if you have a moment I'd love to ask a question in regards to the first time he was invalided to England. What exactly happened to him? I've heard various stories from different family members but no one is entirely certain exactly what happened. Any light you could shed on the subject would be very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Meagan
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