Tuesday 5 February 2013

Acting-Major William John Wilby, MC and Bar

Born on 19 January 1891 in Victoria, British Columbia - son of William Wilby, Victoria, British Columbia - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as school teacher; single; currently a member of the military (no specifics given); previously served with the 5th Canadian Garrison Artillery (three years), the CSCI[?] (one year, lieutenant), and the Corps of Guides (two years, lieutenant); Church of England; height of 5 feet 7 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; dark hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 26 April 1915 - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - attached to the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, CEF, from 17 February to 17 August 1917 - served as a staff captain with the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, CEF, from 18 August 1917 to 7 February 1919 - promoted to captain - served as acting-major from 1 May to 6 September 1919.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the preliminaries of an attack he did excellent work in observing the enemy's position, and later during the assault continued to send back accurate reports as regards the movement of our own troops.  He was heavily shelled during the whole operation, and blown out of his observation post on one occasion.  His coolnessand indefatigable energy deserve the highest praise." - unit recommendation date unknown: "For gallantry and devotion to duty."

Awarded the Bar to the Military Cross (attached to the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade) - official citation: "As staff captain, intelligence of the brigade, this officer rendered signal and distinguished service during operations covering eight days.  He was constantly in the first line, reconnoitring positions, reporting progress, assisting to clear up obscure situations and sending back most important information.  On one occasion he spent fourteen continuous hours in the front line under a very heavy bombardment.  The value of his reports cannot be too highly estimated.  A very gallant officer." - unit recommendation date unknown; no recommendation text.

(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))

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

His service as a Lt. in the Corps of School Cadet Instructors (Militia) is quite consistent with school teachers of the time.