Sunday 26 February 2012

Lance-Sergeant Harold Leslie Sawyer, MM

Born on 14 December 1896 in Lyons, Elgin County, Ontario - son of George Sawyer, Springhills, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: present address in St. Thomas, Ontario; trade as cheese maker; single; currently a member of the 39th Battery (Aylmer, Ontario, two years); no previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 6.25 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; medium complexion; grey eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 91st Battalion, CEF, in St. Thomas, Ontario, on 7 December 1915 (number 189605) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 20 or 21 August 1916 - wounded on 26 June 1917 - invalided to England on 6 July 1917.

Awarded the Military Medal - no formal citation - unit recommendation date 17 April 1917: "For gallant conduct in tending wounded under shell fire during operations Apr. 9/17."

(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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