James Nesbitt Edgar

Lt-Col. G.W. Little

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Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Little
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Perth Regiment
Little GW

My Brigadier, the son of a bitch, is still alive— I’ll kill him.

(G. W. Little on Brig. Gen. J. A. Clark, CBC Interview, 1964)

George Wilfrid Little was born on 1 November 1891 in London, Ontario. A graduate of University of Toronto and Western University, he originally enlisted with 5th University Company as a lieutenant in December 1916 before transferring to the PPCLI on the Western Front. Promoted to captain in August 1917, he became acting commanding officer on 28 September 1918 when all senior ranks had been put out of action.

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Lt-Col. J.N. Edgar

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Lieutenant-Colonel Jimmy Edgar
Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

He assumed command of the battalion after his commanding officer had fallen. Under very heavy fire he on three occasions personally supervised attacking operations in the front line. His cool courage and able leadership inspired those under him to do the good work achieved by them.

(Capt. J. Edgar, M.C. citation, 20 Sept 1919)

Born in Hartlepool, England on 15 May 1887, James Nesbitt Edgar volunteered with the PPCLI in August 1914, was commissioned from the ranks in June 1916, and became a captain at Passchendaele. He briefly took command of the regiment at Cambrai after all other officers were killed or wounded on 28-29 September 1918. He ended the war with the Military Cross and continued in the PPCLI with the Permanent Force.

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