Tuesday 26 July 2011

Private William Paterson, MM

Born on 13 July 1891 in Aberdeen, Scotland - son of William and Helen Paterson, Aberdeen, Scotland - brother of Mrs. Helen Michie, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as compositor; single; currently a member of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles; previously served with the 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (Territorials); Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 5.5 inches; chest of 35.5 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; grey eyes; black hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 20 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410376) - 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 23 February 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 26 February 1917 - wounded on 9 April 1917 - died of those wounds on 16 April 1917 - buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery (grave IV.D.25), France.

Awarded the Military Medal - no formal citation - unit recommendation dated 1 March 1917: "For conspicuous work during the raid carried out by this Battn on the enemy trenches Feb 22/17."

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