Friday 4 December 2009

Lance-Corporal William Hunter, MM

Born on 17 June 1893 in Abreath, Forfarshire, Scotland - son of Samuel Hunter, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as moulder, single, no current or previous military service, Baptist, height of 5 feet 9.25 inches, chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, light brown eyes, red hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 28 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410783) - 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 or 20 November 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 24 December 1916 - wounded on 9 April 1917 - invalided to England on 15 April 1917.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 21 November 1916: "In attack on Desire Trench, Nov. 18/16, these N.C.O's and men did valuable work in maintaining communication throughout the Battn, all the time being under heavy shell fire. They also assisted, in bringing in the wounded."

Awarded the Cross of St. George (4th Class) (Russia) - no official citation - unit recommendation date unknown (awarded 14 January 1918): "For distinguished services rendered."

He died on 14 August 1922.

(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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