Friday 30 April 2010

Sergeant Horace William Langdon, DCM

Born on 17 August 1891 in Berkshire, England - son of Violet A. Langdon, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as bookkeeper; single; no current military service; previously served with the Canadian Officers' Training Corps as a Private (three months); Church of England; height of 5 feet 7.75 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 4th Divisional Cyclists, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 25 March 1916 (number 541240) - taken on the strength of the 74th Battalion, CEF, in England on 9 June 1916 - transferred to the 51st Battalion, CEF, in England on 16 June 1916 - rejoined the 74th Battalion, CEF, in England on 1 July 1916 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, in England on 18 July 1916 - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 9 April 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He repeatedly made most valuable reconnaissances, and on one occasion, in order definitely to locate the enemy, he deliberately walked over the open to draw their fire. His courage and coolness have been invaluable." - unit recommendation dated 18 September 1917: "This N.C.O. displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in his work as Scout Sgt. during all activities of the Battn. from June 25th to Sept. 18th/17."

(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))

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I had no idea he had been awarded a medal, he was my grandfather.