Monday 10 January 2011

Sergeant John Peter McNab, MM

Born on 5 December 1894 in Osgoode Station, Ontario - son of Colin and Sarah E. McNab, Arnprior, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer; single; no current or previous military service; Baptist or Congregationalist; height of 5 feet 10.5 inches; chest of 32.5[?] inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 4 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410559) - 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 18 November 1916 - invalided to England on 23 November 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 22 April 1917 - killed in action on 29 September 1918 - buried in Bourlon Wood Cemetery (grave II.B.17), France.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 29 April 1918: "As No.1 on the Lewis Gun which accompanied the right party in the raid Apr. 26/18, this man performed very valuable work. When the party was temporarily held up by wire and an enemy garrison he brought his gun into action with splendid effect, causing many casualties."

(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)); Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)

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