Stanley Douglas Gardner

Lt. Col. A.D. Cameron

/ Matthew K Barrett / 1 Comment

Lieutenant Colonel A.D. Cameron, D.S.O., M.C.
38th (Cameron Highlanders) Battalion
Cameron

He states when breaking horse on Salisbury Plains, horse threw its head up hitting him on nose. This was painful for some time, but was not treated. Since that time he has noticed that breathing through nose has been difficult.

(Medical History of an Invalid, 18 March 1919)

Born in Shanghai, China on 18 April 1891, Alexander Douglas Cameron was professional soldier with the Canadian Permanent Force. He joined Lord Strathcona’s Horse in October 1914, and despite an injury to the face from a horse, went to France with LdSH in May 1915.

Continue reading →

Lt. Col. Gilson

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant Colonel W.F. Gilson, D.S.O.
7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion
Gilson

Referring to the untrained men who won so brave a reputation, Col. Gilson said in talking with a German clergyman he used the word but could not induce him to alter his opinion: “How can you state Canada had no professional soldiers? These men are fully trained and regulars of the finest class.”

(Chilliwack Progress, 15 May 1919, 8)

Born in India on 1 May 1877, William Forbes Gilson was a veteran of the West African Frontier Field Force. Enlisting in the CEF as a sergeant, within two years Gilson rose to command the 7th Battalion. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 18 October 1917, a D.S.O. Bar for actions of 8 August 1918 and a second D.S.O. Bar for gallantry on 2 September 1918. Continue reading →

Lt. Col. Gardner

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant Colonel Stan Gardner, M.C.†
7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion
Gardner

Lieut.-Col. Gardner is known and respected not only as a fighting man and successful officer, but also a true friend to the soldier who does his duty as it should be done.

(Daily Colonist, 15 Sept 1916, 5)

Born in London, England on 22 August 1880, Stanley Douglas Gardner was a member of the 22nd London Regiment before immigrating to British Columbia. A veteran of the Canadian Mounted Rifles in the Boer War, he enlisted as a captain with the 7th Battalion in September 1914. Stanley was soon appointed battalion adjutant but he was seriously wounded at Festubert on 25 May 1915 and invalided to England. Continue reading →