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Aug 11, 1899
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Born in
Alexandria, Ontario to Donald Alex and Mary Janet (nee McDonell) McDonald
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Feb 1, 1916
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Attested into
the 154th Battalion in Alexandria, Ontario
Ø Number 633372
Ø Next of kin given as Donald Alex McDonald, father, Alexandria, Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Student
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Roman Catholic
Ø Assigned to “D” Company
He gave his
actual birth date even though he was not old enough to enlist and no mention is made of
this on attestation. The minimum age to
enlist was 18 years, but the minimum age to enter combat was 19 years.
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Sep 18, 1916
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Forfeits 5 days
pay for being AWL (Absent Without Leave)
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Oct 25, 1916
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Embarked the
Troopship Mauretania in Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Oct 31, 1916
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Disembarked in
Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to Bramshott for training
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Jan 29, 1917
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Transferred to
the 156th Battalion in Witley
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May 15, 1917
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Transferred to
the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot), Seaford, when it was determined that he was
underage
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May 21, 1917
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Medical Board in
Seaford makes note of his age and classified him as A4 (not fit for combat until attaining
the age of 19 years)
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Aug 24, 1917
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Transferred to
the 6th Reserve Battalion, Seaford
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Nov 14, 1917
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Transferred to
the 21st Battalion even though he had not reached the minimum age of 19 to
enter combat. He arrived at the No. 2 CIBD
(Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 12 reinforcements
from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion
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Nov 17, 1917
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Left the CIBD
and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart
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Dec 2, 1917
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Joined the 21st
Battalion in the Suburban Rest Camp carrying out training exercises and was assigned to
“B” Company
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Aug 26, 1918
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During the
battalion’s attack along the Arras-Cambrai Road, Private McDonald was killed in
action and buried in the Tilloy British Cemetery, 5 days after his 19th
birthday.
Following the
war the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs.
DA McDonald, Box 114 Alexandria, Ontario.
The Plaque
(Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Donald McDonald, c/o Clerk,
New Windsor Hotel, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
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