Sergeant James Gordon McElligott, DCM

Born 29 June 1896 in Ottawa, Ontario - son of T.W. McElligott, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Ottawa, Ontario; trade as government inspector; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 7.5 inches; chest of 35.5 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; hazel eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 207th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 18 May 1916 (number 246309) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 7 or 8 February 1918 - sent to England for Officers' Training Course on 27 October 1918.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack south of Dury on 2nd September, 1918. With two men he rushed a machine-gun post that was holding up the advance, killing some of the crew and capturing a number of prisoners, amongst whom were four officers. Though subjected to intense bombardment, he held on to this position, enabling the company to advance further, with slight losses." - unit recommendation dated 7 September 1918: "For gallantry during Scarpe Operations, Sept. 1st and 2nd 1918."

(Many thanks to Terry McElligott for the image of several members of the 38th Battalion, with Sgt McElligott on the viewer's right).

(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))