Friday 30 November 2012

Private William John Wallace

Born on 25 March 1886 in Caledon, Ontario – next of kin listed as John Wallace, Toronto, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as attendant; single; no current or military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 9 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 126th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 17 December 1915 (number 775219) – embarked onboard SS Empress of Britain at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 14 August 1916 – disembarked in Liverpool, England, on 24 August 1916 – appointed acting lance-corporal on 14 September 1916 – transferred to the 109th Battalion, CEF, in Bramshott, England, on 15 October 1916 – admitted to Connaught Hospital in Bramshott, England, on 21 October 1916 – discharged from Connaught Hospital on 25 October 1916 – reverted to the rank of private to go overseas on 2 December 1916 – proceeded overseas for service with the 38th Battalion on 4 December 1916 – taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 6 December 1916 – admitted to No. 39 General Hospital in Le Havre, France, on 28 December 1916 – discharged to Canadian Base Depot in Le Havre, France, on 14 January 1917 – joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in the field on 14 February 1917 – admitted to No.7 General Hospital in St. Omer, France, on 6 March 1917 with the mumps – discharged on 19 March 1917 – rejoined the 38th Battalion on 27 March 1917 – “dangerously” wounded on 26 May 1917 with a gunshot wound to the chest and right lung and admitted to No. 6 Casualty Clearing Station – as of 29 May 1917 “Still Dangerously wounded condition improved” – invalided to England and posted to the Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot, CEF, on 2 June 1917 – transferred to Lord Derby Hospital in Warrington, England, on 15 June 1917 – transferred to Canadian Convalescent Hospital Woodstock Park in Epsom, England, on 14 September 1917 – discharged on 29 October 1917 – repatriated to Canada from Liverpool, England, onboard SS Saxonia on 17 November 1917 – discharged from “D” Unit, MHCC [Military Hospitals CC???] in Toronto, Ontario, on 25 February 1918 “being no longer fit for war service” – present condition: “Right side is so weak that he cannot life [sic] ordinary weights. Cannot walk rapidly more than 100 yards. Cannot sleep on right side without pain. On sitting upright for half an hour feels pain in lower part of the right chest.”

Died on 30 January 1964 in Collingwood, Ontario.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), military service file, William John Wallace, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, box 10043-24; 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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