Private Sigurd Mathisen, DCM

Born on 29 December 1890 in Scarpsburg, Norway - father of Millie Mathisen, Swansea, South Wales - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Brooklyn, New York; trade as engineer; single; currently a member of the Active Militia; no previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 10 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; brown eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 97th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 11 February 1916 (number 207924) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 16 or 17 February 1917 - wounded on 9 April 1917 - invalided to England on 14 April 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 11 November 1917 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from the 1st to 5th November, 1918, near and in Valenciennes. On the 1st November, as battalion scout, he crossed the Canal de l'Escaut under heavy machine gun fire, locating enemy machine guns and sniping posts. Later, when on patrol, he worked well forward into the hostile defences, and when surrounded by fire of the enemy, and called upon to surrender, he killed them all unaided and returned with valuable information." - unit recommendation dated November 1918: "For gallantry during operations in around [sic] Valenciennes from Nov. 1 to 5/18."

(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))