Born on 2 December 1896 in Carlow Township, Ontario - son of William McWhirter, Boulter, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Renfrew, Ontario; trade as labourer; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 3 inches; chest of 35 inches fully expanded; weight of 140 pounds; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; black hair.
Joined the 130th Battalion, CEF, in Renfrew, Ontario, on 15 May 1916 (number 788640) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 14 or 15 November 1916 - transferred to the 4th Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, CEF, on 1 May 1918.
(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)
5 comments:
My grandfather..have any other information?
My grandfather..have any other information. I do have pictures of him in his WW1 Vimy Ridge uniform.
Unfortunately, I don't have anything else. The best single source would be his military service file which you can order a copy of from Library and Archives Canada via this link (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.01-e.php?&id_nbr=167541&interval=20&&PHPSESSID=4ct16baamqnegjc0t0mv8qivd5).
Ken
I am told by a great nephew of William James McWhirter (grandson of Robert Thomas McWhirter)that there is a family story that during WW1 William was a machine gun operator and on one occasion/battle his assistant was killed (no doubt there are official military names for these positions), and William was knocked out and assumed to be dead as well. As the story goes, a letter was written and sent to his mother and family in Canada, notifying them of his death. Sometime after this occurred, his brother Robert Thomas(who was also in the army) was on leave somewhere in Scotland and was walking down a street and who was walking towards him but his brother, William James. Apparently there was quite a celebration that took place in a local pub.
I am a grandson of Wm. James McWhirter, could you put me in touch with Robert Thomas' grandson? Any copy of this letter or proof?
If so, pls email at ve2wmc@gmail.com
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