Born on 10 December 1895 in Westmount, Quebec - son of John Alexander Nicholson, Westmount, Quebec - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: arts student at McGill University; single; no current military service; previously served with the McGill Canadian Officers' Training Corps (two years); Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 6 inches; chest of 34.5 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; light brown eyes; black hair.
Joined the 5th University Company in Montreal, Quebec, on 24 November 1915 (number 487265) - taken on the strength of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 6 or 7 June 1916 - sent to England for the Officers' Training Course on 19 November 1916 - promoted to lieutenant with the 7th Reserve Battalion on 10 March 1917 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, as a captain on 21 July 1917 - wounded on 8 or 9 August 1918 - invalided to England on 12 August 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 15 November 1918 - sent to England to attend Khaki University on 2 March 1919.
Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and organizing ability in command of an infantry detachment carried in Tanks. The Tank commanding officer was killed, and although he had no previous experience, he helped the non-commissioned officer to bring the Tank into action. Although twice wounded, he remained with the Tank, organizing the gun crews. After reaching his objective, he kept up effective fire on the enemy, and did not leave for the dressing station until the new line had been consolidated, after setting fine example." - unit recommendation dated 14 August 1918: "For gallantry conduct during operations in Cayeux Wood Aug. 8th 1918."
(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))
1 comment:
My grandfather's real birthdate was December 10, 1897. He enlisted at the age of 17, and lied about his age. His attestation papers say he was born in 1895, but the Canadian Census data for 1901 and 1911 say 1897 (he was 3 for the first census, and 13 for the second).
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