Captain Gavin Scott Macfarlane, MC

Born on 6 February 1891 in Ottawa, Ontario - son of Mrs. Sarah Macfarlane, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as student; single; currently a member of the Canadian Officers' Training Corps; no previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8.75 inches; chest of 38.5 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; grey eyes; fair hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, as a Lieutenant on 19 April 1915 - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - invalided to England on 26 November 1916 - served as a Staff Captain with 5th Reserve Brigade, CEF, from 10 July 1917 to 13 or 15 April 1918 - seconded as Adjutant of the Canadian Trench Warfare School from 15 or 22 April 1918 to 21 February 1919.

Appointed commanding officer and Lieutenant-Colonel of The Ottawa Highlanders on 31 May 1932 - resigned on 1 June 1936 - reappointed commanding officer of the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.) on 18 July 1940 - resigned on 18 May 1943.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although wounded, he continued to lead his men, and captured an enemy machine gun with his crew, himself killing one of the enemy." - unit recommendation date unknown: "For conspicuous gallantry in action."

Received the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD).

Died on 27 July 1957 - buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.

(Updated with an image of Capt Macfarlane's headstone in Beechwood Cemetery).

(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))