Tuesday 1 May 2012

Private George Smedley

Born on 26 April 1890 in Colston-Basset, Notts, England - next of kin listed as Mary Elizabeth Smedley, Mally-le-Marsh[?], Alford, Lincs, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as student; single; currently a member of the Guelph Officers' Training Corps; previously served with F Company, 4th Lincs Regiment (private, five years); "Primitive Methodist"; height of 5 feet 5 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Guelph, Ontario, on 16 March 1915 (number 410997) - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 17 July 1915 - transferred to the 3rd Divisional Signal Company, CEF, on 9 March 1916 - transferred to the Canadian Corps Wireless Section, CEF, on 7 September 1916 - served as an assistant instructor with the Canadian School of Military Engineering from 26 July to 28 December 1918 - at some point was commissioned and promoted to lieutenant.

Awarded a Mention-in-Despatches.

(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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