Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Pearson
Essex Scottish Regiment

This time we are ready. In 1914, war came upon us like a bombshell. This time we have known of its imminence. We are more or less prepared for the orders that came today. We must accept things as they are and do our duty.

(Pearson quoted in Windsor Star, 3 Sep 1939, 12)

Born on 11 November 1891 in Toronto, Arthur Stephen Pearson was a First World War veteran, lawyer, businessman, and commanding officer of the Essex Scottish since 1936. Twenty years earlier he enlisted as a captain in the 234th Battalion, reverted to lieutenant to join the 75th Battalion in France and was twice wounded in action. On the outbreak of war in September 1939, Pearson immediately started a recruitment drive to bring the regiment to full strength.

Continue reading →