Dec 15, 1878

Born at Merivale Ontario to John Donaldson and Martha Angus

 It is of interest to note that his birth was not registered until June 12, 1934, by his mother's brother, George Angus, when an affidavit was sworn attesting to his birth date and parents.

 

Apr 24, 1902

Attested into the 6^th CMR (Canadian Mounted Rifles) at Calgary Alberta  

Ø      Number 491

Ø      Next of kin given as John Donaldson (father) of Wetaskiwin Alberta, NWT (North West Territories)

Ø      Previous occupation given as Wiper at the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway)

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian 

Note that he gave his first name as Henry, which also is how his birth is registered

May 17, 1902

Embarked the SS Winifredian at Halifax Nova Scotia

Jun 8, 1902

Disembarked at Cape Town South Africa and then proceeded to Durban

Jul 1, 1902

Embarked the SS Cestrian at Durban

Jul 30, 1902

Disembarked at Halifax Nova Scotia 

There is no discharge certificate in the file, nor mention of discharge date, however the 6^th CMR was dissolved on this date

Jun 5, 1916

Attested into the 207^th Battalion at Ottawa Ontario 

Ø      Number 246439

Ø      Next of kin given as Nina Beatrice Donaldson (wife) of 41 Spadina Ave, Ottawa Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Railroader

Ø      Previous military experience given as 6 months in 6^th CMR in South Africa

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian 

On Attestation he gave his first name as Harry

Nov 22, 1916

Declared that he had 2 sons, Milton and Keath aged 8 and 6 years respectively.  At the same time he also declared that both his parents were deceased

Jun 2, 1917

Embarked the RMS Olympic at Halifax Nova Scotia

Jun 10, 1917

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to the Seaford Camp 

TOS (Taken On Strength) the 7^th Reserve Battalion

Sep 12, 1917

Posted to the 21^st Battalion

Sep 13, 1917

Arrived at 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in France and TOS the 21^st Battalion

Sep 27, 1917

Arrived at the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) from 2 CIBD

Oct 6, 1917

Left CCRC to join unit

Oct 10, 1917

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the field 

The Battalion had just come out of the front line and had moved into billets in the Suburban Camp at Villers au Bois

Jun 5, 1918

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Aug 29, 1918

Promoted to rank of Corporal to replace Cpl Charles 454970, who had died

Oct 14, 1918

Admitted to No 10 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) then transferred to No 4 CFA and transferred same day to No 1 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) diagnosed with Impetigo

Oct 16, 1918

Transported via No 32 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to No 74 General Hospital at Trouville

Nov 18, 1918

Transferred to No 13 Convalescent Depot at Trouville

Dec 2, 1918

Discharged to Base and arrived at No 2 CIBD and posted to “A” Company for soldiers recovering from wounds and illness

Dec 6, 1918

Granted 14 days leave

Jan 2, 1919

Proceeded to England and TOS the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) at Witley

Jan 11, 1919

Posted to the 6^th Reserve Battalion

Jan 18, 1919

On Command to Kinmel Park Rhyl, pending return to Canada

Feb 11, 1919

Awarded the Military Medal per London Gazette #31173

Feb 19, 1919

Embarked the SS Scotian at Liverpool

Mar 1, 1919

Disembarked at St John New Brunswick and proceeded to Ottawa Ontario

Mar 3, 1919

TOS the Sub Depot at MD #3, Ottawa Ontario

Mar 4, 1919

Granted leave with subsistence to March 17, 1919

Mar 21, 1919

Discharged from the CEF at Ottawa Ontario 

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 102851

Ø      Rank on discharge Corporal

Ø      Proposed residence on discharge Ottawa Ontario

Aug 24, 1922

British War Medal and Victory Medals sent to him at 41 Spadina Ave, Ottawa Ontario

Feb 27, 1955

Died at Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario

It is clear from the photo at the top of this page that he served with the Salvation Army post war