Thursday 6 December 2012

Acting-Sergeant (Private) Albert Danby Ward, MM

Born on 20 January 1896 in Nottingham, England – cousin of John Simpson, Nottingham, England – at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as farming; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 5 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fresh complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 26 February 1915 (number 410425) – 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 on 18 November 1916 – invalided to England on 21 November 1916 – rejoined the 38th Battalion on 22 April 1917 – killed in action on 30 October 1917 – name inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (panel 10-18-26-28), Belgium.

Awarded the Military Medal – no citation (announced 17 September 1917). Unit recommendation date unknown: “For bravery in the Field.”

(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; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, “Debt of Honour” register, www.cwgc.org; 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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