Sunday 24 October 2010

Corporal John McCormick, DCM

Born on 14 October 1888 in Lancaster, Ontario - son of Roderick McCormick, Alexandria, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as stationary engineer; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 8.5 inches; chest of 38.5 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, on 10 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 10 June 1915 (number 410366) - 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 9 April 1917 - invalided to England on 16 April 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 2 February 1918 - wounded on 26 April 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 14 June 1918 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - official citation: "For gallantry and devotion to duty from 16th/17th September to 11th November 1918. In the operations around Cambrai on the 29th September, after his section had suffered casualties, he organized a new section from the remnants of other sections, and went forward under heavy machine gun fire." - unit recommendation dated 26 December 1918: "For Gallantry during operations near Cambrai. Recommended for Distinguished Conduct Medal (Peace Despatch)."

(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))

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