Robert Francis Parkinson

The Publisher

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant Colonel R.F. Parkinson, D.S.O.
38th (Ottawa) Battalion
Parkingson

He was never too busy to find a job for a serviceman in need and dipped generously into his pocket times without number to tide a less fortunate comrade over a thin day. Even in recent years, “burned out” veterans who found themselves hard up had the habit of coming around the office to make a touch from

(Ottawa Journal, 4 Jan 1946)

Born on 1 January 1883 in Woodstock, Ontario, Robert Francis Parkinson was a newspaper publisher and managing director of the Ottawa Journal. He first joined the 22nd Oxford Rifles and then the 43rd Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles when he moved to Ottawa in 1908 to join the staff of the Ottawa Journal.

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Lt. Col. Edwards

/ Matthew K Barrett / 2 Comments

Lieutenant Colonel C.M. Edwards, D.S.O.
38th (Ottawa) Battalion
Edwards

“Where’s your uniform, Colonel?” asked a reporter as he spotted the light gray suit among the red tabs and brass of the inspection party.

 “I guess it’s scattered around among these gentleman,” answered the Colonel, “you know you can’t draw the old age pension and wear a uniform too… The only thing I hated to give up was the kilt,” said Col. Edwards turning away “I really miss that.”

 (Ottawa Citizen, 26 Aug 1957, 3)

Cameron MacPherson Edwards was a Ottawa wealthy lumberman with seventeen-years’ service in the 43rd Regiment. He was born in North Nation Mills, Quebec on 28 September 1881. One of the youngest colonels in France, Edwards was mentioned three times in dispatches and received two Bars to his Distinguished Service Order. Continue reading →