Saturday 6 December 2008

Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron Macpherson Edwards, DSO

Born on 28 September 1881 in North Nation Mills, Quebec - husband of Agnes Wallace Edwards, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as lumberman, married, currently a member of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles (for seventeen years), no previous military service, Baptist, height of 5 feet 8.75 inches, chest of 37 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 1 February 1915 - 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 9 April 1917 - invalided to England on 13 April 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 29 May 1917 - sent to England for duty on 10 September 1918 - appointed General Staff Officer 2nd Grade (GSO 2) with Headquarters, Overseas Military Forces of Canada, on 11 September 1918 - appointed GSO 1 with Headquarters, Overseas Military Forces of Canada from 31 December 1918 to 5 June 1919 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 6 June 1919 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Service Order - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He organized his battalion for attack, and carried out a dashing assault in a snow-storm with conspicuous success. He set a splendid example of courage and initiative throughout." - unit recommendation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action."

Awarded the Bar to the Distinguished Service Order - official citation: "Awarded on the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday. No citation." - unit recommendation: "In recognition of gallantry and distinguished service rendered in the Field."

Awarded the Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order - official citation: "On September 2, 1918, during the Drocourt-Queant battle, he displayed fine leadership and gallantry. He carried out several reconnaissances under very heavy fire, and the information he gained was most valuable in directing artillery into points of resistance and enemy movements. His cool courage was an example to all who came into contact with him, but particularly to his battalion which gained all their objectives in time, thereby creating the desired gap in the Drocourt-Queant system of trenches." - no unit recommendation text.

Awarded the Medaille d'Honneur avec Glaives (en Vermeil) - no official citation - unit recommendation, no text.

Awarded the Mentioned in Despatches - no official citation - unit recommendation: "For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty."

Awarded a second Mentioned in Despatches - no official citation - unit recommendation: "For valuable services rendered."

Awarded a third Mentioned in Despatches - no official citation - unit recommendation, no text.

Appointed commanding officer of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles, on 27 January 1920 - resigned as commanding officer on 1 May 1922 - served as honorary lieutenant-colonel of The Ottawa Highlanders / The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa from 14 October 1930 to 1940 - served as honorary colonel of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa from 1940 to 1959.

Died in Ottawa, Ontario, on 18 June 1959.

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