Friday 11 January 2013

Lance-Corporal Walter Wendland, MM

Born on 22 March 1889 in Liverpool, England - husband of Ethel Wendland, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as baker; married; no current or previous military service; Wesleyan; height of 5 feet 9.75 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; hearthy complexion; hazel eyes; blonde hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 22 February 1915 (number 410223) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - declared missing, presumed dead, on 30 October 1917 - name inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (panel 10-18-26-28), Belgium.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 6 November 1917: "On night Oct. 31/17 this N.C.O., although wounded and gassed, remained on duty when the pack train became disorganized through heavy shell fire and displayed efficient leadership and courage in assembling the remainder of the train and guiding them out of the shelled area."

(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)

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