Sunday 5 September 2010

Warrant Officer Class I (Regimental Sergeant-Major) William Henry Marsden, MC

Born on 9 March 1876 in Lancashire, England - husband of Ellen Marsden, Westboro, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: married; currently a member of the Active Militia; previously served with the Imperial Army (twelve years) and the Permanent Force (nine years); Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 7.5 inches; chest of 41 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; brown eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 22 September 1914 (number ???) - [left when] - joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 28 March 1915 (number 410001) - 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 at duty on 3 January 1917 - wounded on 1 or 5 April 1917 - invalided to England on 17 April 1917 - joined the 1st Depot Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment, CEF, as a Lieutenant on 10 October 1917 - transferred to No.3 Special Service Company, CEF, on 1 December 1917 - transferred to the 2nd Depot Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment, CEF, on 16 March 1918 - joined the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force as a Captain on 3 January 1919 - appointed as an Imperial Instructor Siberia on 30 January 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the South African War.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's trenches. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing several wounded men and an officer under very heavy fire. He has at all times set a splendid example." - unit recommendation date unknown: "For gallantry and devotion to duty."

(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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