Monday 29 November 2010

Corporal Hugh McGrogan, MM

Born on 19 October 1894 in Drayton, Ontario - son of James McGrogan, Toronto, Ontario - brother of Lance-Sergeant John McGrogan, MM, 38th Battalion, CEF - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: present address in Elora, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 126th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 27 December 1915 (number 775136) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 - wounded on 9 April 1917 - invalided to England on 11 April 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 11 November 1917 - wounded on 17 March 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 1 April 1918 - invalided sick to England on 14 February 1919.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 19 March 1918: "During raid on our trenches Mar. 16/17 this man conducted himself in a very cool, determined and courageous manner. A Boche fire[d] a revolver shot at close range which wounded Pte. McGrogan in the head but he rushed to the Boche and bayoneted him."

(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))

No comments: