Captain William Lachlan McGeary, MC

Born on 31 July 1893 in St. Thomas, Ontario - son of Jesse Grace McNeary, St. Thomas, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: present address same as mother; trade as student; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 7 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 4th Overseas University Company, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 13 October 1915 (number 475477) - taken on the strength of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 24 April 1916 - sent to England for Officers' Training Course on 12 December 1916 - commissioned and promoted to Lieutenant with the 7th Reserve Battalion, CEF, on 24 February 1917 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, as a Captain on 25 April 1917 - wounded on 28 June 1917 - invalided to England on 1 July 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 20 October 1917 - wounded on 2 September 1918 - invalided to England on 6 September 1918.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while commanding his platoon in an attack. Although wounded early in the day, he remained on duty throughout, keeping his platoon under control and setting a splendid example. He was responsible for the capture of a machine-gun and crew as well as for the repulse of a strong hostile counter-attack, in which he displayed the utmost gallantry and great presence of mind." - unit recommendation dated 3 July 1917: "He rendered most valuable services and showed most gallant leadership during the attack on La Coulotte and Avion Trench."

(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))