Neil McDonald

 

 

Apr 6, 1890

Born in Port Hood, Nova Scotia to Ronald John and Isabel (nee Chisolm) McDonald

 

Jul 27, 1915

Attested into the 76th Battalion in Welland, Ontario 

Ø      Number 141069

Ø      Next of kin given as Mr. Ronald McDonald, Port Hood, Nova Scotia

Ø      Previous occupation given as Moulder

Ø      Previous military experience given as 44th Regiment, Canadian Militia

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “C” Company 

The battalion initially trained in the Niagara Camp near Niagara Falls, Ontario

 

Nov 5, 1915

The battalion left the Niagara Camp and marched to Toronto where they boarded a train and proceeded to Barrie to continue training over the winter

 

Apr 23, 1916

Embarked the Empress of Britain in Halifax, Nova Scotia

May 5, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent for additional training

 

Jun 28, 1916

Transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Jun 29, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion.

 

Sep 15, 1916

The 21st Battalion was in a front line trench next to the Albert-Bapaume road preparing to launch a major attack on a German strong point in a sugar refinery near Poziéres when, at 4.30 am, the enemy launched an intense bombing attack.  Several men of the battalion were killed, and Private McDonald was reported missing.  His body was never recovered from the battlefield and he was later officially reported to have been killed.  Because his remains were never recovered, he is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, R.J. McDonald, Port Hood, Nova Scotia.

The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Isabel McDonald, at the same address

 


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