Friday 6 January 2012

Lance-Corporal William Elmer Roome, MM

Born on 10 August 1894 in Toronto, Ontario - husband of Emma Maud Roome, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as wife; trade as clerk; married; currently a member of the 28th Perth Regiment; no previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 7.5 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; blue eyes; black hair.

Joined the 207th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 1 August 1916 (number 246634) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 10 or 11 November 1917 - wounded on 10 August 1918 - invalided to England on 12 August 1918.

Awarded the Military Medal - no formal citation - unit recommendation dated 30 March 1918: "During enemy raid on our front Mar. 27/18 after his N.C.O. had been killed, this man took charge of the gun crew and later showed outstanding courage and initiative when the remainder of his gun crew had become 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))

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