Wednesday 4 August 2010

Private William Clement MacDonald, MSM

Born on 28 February 1895 in London, England - brother-in-law of Mrs. Jessie MacDonald, Middlesex, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as cook; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8.25 inches; chest of 34 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 8 May 1915 (number 410841) - 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 24 or 25 August 1918 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 27 November 1918.

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 7 November 1917: "During operations Oct. 29th to Nov.2/17 this man rendered conspicuously valuable service in his capacity of Batt'n runner."

(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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