Thursday 24 December 2009

Lieutenant William Eric Cromlin Irwin

Born on 24 January 1890 in Ottawa, Ontario - next of kin listed as Colonel Irwin, Ottawa, Ottawa - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as electrical engineer; single; currently a member of the Active Militia; previously served with the McGill Canadian Officers' Training Corps; Church of England; height of 5 feet 10.5 inches; chest of 39 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; grey-blue eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Montreal, Quebec, as a Lieutenant on 17 February 1915 - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 25 July 1915 - wounded on 2 or 3 June 1916 - returned to Canada on 1 December 1916 - served with the PPCLI Depot from 15 June 1917 to 14 February 1918 - served with the Branch of the Canadian General Staff Military Headquarters from 15 February 1918 to 25 January 1919.

Awarded a Mention-in-Despatches on 1 June 1917 (London Gazette No. 30107).

(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)

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