Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them – William Shakespeare
Captain David McAndie one of the most decorated, and uniquely-medaled soldiers, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in the Great War. In addition, no other CEF soldier earned the Military Cross (MC), the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), the Military Medal (MM), and twice Mentioned in Despatches. David earned his medals of gallantry through successive promotions through the ranks. Always serving with one of Canada’s most glorious battalions, The Canadians. The 10th Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF (perpetuated by The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and The Calgary Highlanders).
Finally, Captain McAndie, killed-in-action a week after his final award for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire (the first day of the Battle of Amiens).
Early Life
David McAndie the son of James and Helen McAndie, of Loandhu, Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland. Native of Portmahomack, Fearn. Born 17 May 1887. Like his father before him, David a farmer. Helen will die some time after David, but prior to 1921, perhaps unable to cope with the loss of her son. David emigrated from Scotland in 1911. He claimed 3 years volunteer service in the Seaforth Highlanders prior to enlisting in the CEF.
The Canadians (10th Battalion, CEF)
The battalion organized in Valcartier Camp on 6 August 1914. The unit drew its recruits from Calgary and Winnipeg. Then, sent to Valcartier Camp from the 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) and 106th Winnipeg Light Infantry.
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Lambert Boyle
The first commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Lambert Boyle, veteran of the Boer War. Later, killed in the unit’s first action at Kitcheners’ Wood on 22 April 1915. In retrospect, hard to comprehend how the 10th and 16th Canadian Infantry Battalions responsible for turning the tide of the Great War in 1915. Finally, much credit owed to one of the most unheralded, un-medaled, and strategically-decisive commanders of the Great War, Russell Lambert Boyle.
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Lambert Boyle replaced by Lieutenant-Colonel John Grant Rattray, in turn replaced by Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Mowatt Ormond before the end of 1916.
To England
The 10th Battalion sailed from Quebec City on 29 September 1914 aboard S.S. SCANDINAVIAN. Then, arrived at Liverpool, 14 October 1914 with a strength of 43 officers and 1051 other ranks.
Later, the unit moved to France as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, on 7 February 1915, and participated in every major Canadian battle on the Western Front. The unit eventually drew reinforcements from the 9th Canadian Reserve Battalion, and affiliated with the 56th and 82nd Battalions.
Service of Captain David McAndie
Private David McAndie 426830 attested with the 46th Battalion, CEF on 5 April 1915. Earlier, the 46th Bn organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Snell. At the time, David stood 5′ 8″ tall, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and dark hair. He was Presbyterian. Finally, examined at Moose Jaw, 5 April 1915.
Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Snell
Lt.-Col. Herbert Snell served with the 60th Rifles of the militia prior to the Great War. Seriously wounded in a Mills bomb training accident while in England and lost an eye. Returning to duty, commanded the 9th Reserve Brigade. Snell briefly commanded the 46th Battalion in the field after Vimy before given command of the 4th Divisional Wing of the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp and Divisional Wing. Twice Mentioned in Despatches. He died of complications related to his wounds in 1932. Finally, interred at Port Hope, Ontario.
Private David McAndie attached to 32nd Reserve Battalion, Shorncliffe, 19 July 1915. Earlier, the 32nd Battalion organized in November 1914 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Harry James Cowan. Then, David re-attested (original papers lost at the time) with the 32nd Battalion, at Shorncliffe, 9 August 1915. Finally, transferred to 10th Battalion, Shorncliffe, 28 August 1915.
Lieutenant-Colonel Harry James Cowan
Lt.-Col. H.J. Cowan commanded the 32nd Reserve Battalion until 1917. Then made Colonel and commanded the 4th Division Base Department at Etaples, France. In addition, long connected with the Canadian Militia, he joined the Manitoba Dragoons in 1894. Then, in 1906, organized and assumed command of the 18th Mounted Rifles, serving in the Boer War with the Royal Canadian Regiment. Then, in November 1914, enlisted in the CEF and helped to organize the 32nd Battalion, taking it to England. On its being broken up, carried on as Brigade Commander of a Reserve Battalion until 1917.
Cowan gazetted a Colonel in France, and given command of the 4th Division Infantry, Base Depot, Etaples. Then, commanded the Amalgamated Base Depot until September 1918. Attached to Corps Headquarters until return to England. Then, returned to Canada and demobilized in October 1919. Finally, he died at Portage-la-Prairie on 25 August 1930.
To Belgium
Private David McAndie T.o.S. by 10th Battalion in France, 11 September 1915. Typical statement of every soldier headed to the Western Front in 1915. But, the ultimate destination the Ypres Salient, in Belgium. By 11 January 1916, David promoted Lance-Corporal. Unnoticed by his superiors during training in England, his performance in the trenches in Belgium exemplary. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. David possesses nerves-of-steel, and does nothing but impress his comrades and commanding officers in the trenches.
The Canadian Corps acknowledges competition, in the form of sports activities, the best way to re-build morale among the troops. Numerous battalion, brigade, and Corps Sports Meets occupy the troops, especially on Dominion Day of 1915, through to 1 July 1918, and during the months awaiting demobilization.
Rheninghelst, Belgium
Somewhere among these men in Rheninghelst, Belgium, may be Lance-Corporal David McAndie.
Lance-Corporal David McAndie to be Corporal, 7 July 1916. Not long however before Corporal David McAndie appointed Acting/Sergeant, 21 August 1916.
Battle of Flers-Courcelette
McAndie earned his DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) at the Battle of the Flers-Courcelette. A sergeant at the time, took over his platoon after the commanding officer, Captain James Thomas Clinkskill (Vimy Memorial) killed, 25 September 1916.
Sergeant David McAndie granted leave to England, 28 November 1816, returning 16 December 1916 to France (not Belgium). Later, Sergeant David McAndie to 2nd C.I.B., 10 March 1917.
Vimy Ridge
Nearly 400 members of the 10th Battalion lost their lives at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. McAndie noted by his superiors for leading his troops forward. McAndie also earned the Military Medal soon after the fighting at Vimy.
Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Appointed A/CSM with Pay, 28 May 1917. Then, promoted Company Quarter Master Sergeant on 29 May 1917. In addition, David replacing Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander, shell-shocked at Vimy. Earlier, CSM William Alexander a highly-accomplished soldier, and born leader just like David. Truly tragic, and deplorable, the recently appointed leader of the Canadian Corps, Sir Arthur Currie, will approve of his execution in October 1917. Finally, the Canadian Corps Commander signed-off on over half of the Canadians Shot at Dawn in an eighteen-month period of the Great War.
Then, Company Quarter Master Sergeant David McAndie admitted to No.83 General Hospital, Boulogne, with severe trench fever, 13 June 1917. Later, admitted No.1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 27 June 1917. Finally, discharged to rest camp.
Mentioned in Despatches
CQMS David McAndie on 6 August 1917, Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette No. 30107, (1 June 1917, Sir Douglas Haig). Then, again, CQMS David McAndie Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette No.30111, 4 June 1917.
Then, Company Quarter Master Sergeant David McAndie on 11 August 1917 awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), in the field.
Distinguished Conduct Medal Presentation by Lt.-Gen. Sir Arthur Currie
General Currie presenting ribbons to Officers, N.C.O.’s and Men of 10th Bn., 31 August 1917, Villers Chatel. In addition, the fourth man from the far end appears to be Lieutenant David McAndie.
Hill 70
At Hill 70, no less than sixty soldiers awarded the Military Medal for outstanding heroism in a single battle. In addition, a record in Canadian Military History. Finally, many sources claim medals of valour are won – important to note a military medal is not a prize, it recognizes Service & Sacrifice. Many of these medals, particularly the Victoria Cross, earned posthumously.
Shot at Dawn
Six months after David McAndie replaced Company Quarter Master Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Alexander, Bill Shot at Dawn on 18 October 1917. Later, the war diary of the 10th Battalion notes they are in billets at Houdain, only seven kilometers from Barlin Communal Cemetery and Extension, Bill’s final resting place. What the diary does not reveal however, between Houdain and Barlin, on a hillside outside Maisnil-lès-Ruitz, a company of the 10th Battalion bears witness to the event which troubled the great Reverend Fitzgerald Scott more than any other in the Great War.
Canon Reverend Fitzgerald Scott’s story of the execution of Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander, previously posted by CEFRG. Why such a brave and accomplished soldier of the 10th Battalion, like CQMS Alexander, made an example of by his execution, a stain on the otherwise glorious record of The Canadians (10th Battalion).
The Death Penalty
Of the 25 Canadians executed during the war, CQMS Alexander the most senior and longest serving. The death penalty highly controversial among Commonwealth nations during the Great War. In addition, the sentence never carried out for convicted Australian soldiers.
I can hardly believe, that, for the first offence of desertion, that they were justified in passing that sentence. May the Lord have mercy on the man who judged him if he was wrong.
Wrote his elder brother, Archibald M. Alexander, when he finally learned the truth about how Bill had died.
Influenza
The Spanish Flu Epidemic reached the Western Front during mid-summer 1917, borne by the Chinese Labour Corps (CLC). The first-wave not particularly deadly, though some would succumb to the virus in November/December 1917. Company Quarter Master Sergeant David McAndie admitted to Military Hospital Cromarty while on short leave, Influenza, 22 September 1917, discharged 11 October 1917.
CQMS David McAndie promoted Warrant Officer 2nd Class, 20 November 1917.
Commission
Continuing his rise through the ranks, Warrant Officer 2nd Class David McAndie appointed a Temporary Commission and Lieutenant, 13 July 1918.
Lewis Gun Course
Lieutenant David McAndie to Lewis Gun Course, 31 May 1918. Later, rejoined the 10th Battalion on 8 June 1918.
Lieutenant David McAndie awarded Military Medal, London Gazette No. 30188, 18 July 1918. Then, Lieutenant David McAndie to be Acting Captain, 22 July 1918.
Then, as if he had a premonition of his death, on 6 August 1918, David completes his will. Bequeathing all his real-estate to his brother, Hugh McAndie of Maypole, Saskatchewan. In addition, he left his personal estate to his mother, Helen McAndie, of Portmahomack, Ross-Shire, Scotland. Witnessed by Lieutenant William Frederick Leicester, 10th Battalion (returned SS BOHEMIAN, 14 May 1919).
Your Time Is Up
At some point during service on the Western Front, the majority of soldiers were gassed, wounded, and perhaps received their Blighty home. In addition, extremely rare a decorated soldier, whether leading a platoon, company, or battalion, would not have been wounded in battle. David one such exception. In addition, some gifted with the ability of being in the right place at the right time, and escaped death on numerous occasions, like Gunner Bertram Howard Cox of the Canadian Field Artillery. Finally, only a week into Canada’s Last Hundred Days, the fickle finger of fate points to Captain David McAndie DCM MM.
Battle of Amiens
On 8 August 1918, the opening day of The Battle of Amiens, and Canada’s Last Hundred Days, Captain David McAndie DCM MM earned his Military Cross.
In the last hundred days of the Great War, the Canadian Corps consistently drove further into the enemy than any other Allied formation. Such impressive gains though, came at a non-sustainable cost for Canadians. Sadly, casualties just too high for the Canadian Corps. And, so many of Byng’s Boys found out the hard way, the enemy retreating toward his homeland was never more dangerous.
The Death of Captain David McAndie MC DCM MM
Captain David McAndie Killed-in-Action, 15 August 1918.
After being through such violent action, he was killed near the battalion’s command post by a stray German shell.
He had the bad luck to be walking toward his command post.
Sam Blakely, a former Calgary Highlander, and current volunteer with The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Museum.
Legacy of Captain David McAndie MC DCM MM
Fascinating story (David McAndie). These stories, we identify with those now, and they inspire us.
Lt.-Col. Kyle Clapperton, commanding officer of the Calgary Highlanders
Lieutenant-Colonel Peter J. Boyle, Curator of The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Museum and Archives, brought McAndie’s nomination for a memorial forward. Then, the nomination reviewed by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation’s Geographic Naming Committee. Finally, forwarded its recommendation to the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport for approval.
Captain David McAndie is the first one we’ve commissioned purely for his brave acts.
I think that he exemplifies what a Canadian was in the early days of this province and of the country.
He came from Scotland, like so many people did from the old country. But, he became part of the fabric of the land and then when his country called he went to war and he paid the ultimate sacrifice, fighting for Canadian values. The Battle for Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Hill 70, Passchendaele, he fought at all of those and was awarded for gallantry at all of those battles.
Somebody who led, was at the front of his section, the front of his platoon, the front of his company throughout the war, and then killed by a stray shell near headquarters is so sad.
Day after day he led his forces and he just exemplified what a military leader is, in my opinion.
Lt.-Col. Peter Boyle, the curator at the Calgary Highlanders Museum
Portrait
Captain McAndie is the first one we’ve commissioned purely for his brave acts.
Lt.-Col. Peter Boyle
About half a dozen portraits of significant regiment leaders, mostly former officers, have been commissioned in the past but Lt.-Col. Boyle said this one is unique.
I kind of got lost in the person behind the portrait.
The more I worked from this black-and-white photo, putting my own colour scheme to it, the more it seemed like he was coming to life. It was very much an honour to be in this position, to bring one of the Calgary Highlanders’ most prestigious members to life again and give his name the respect it deserves.
Artist Jamie Morris
McAndie Coulee
The GeoMemorial Commemorative Naming Program was established in 1947. Firstly, designed to honour Saskatchewan military personnel, police officers, emergency responders and others who are killed in service. Since its inception, nearly 4,000 GeoMemorial features, including the McAndie Coulee, named across the province. Finally, Saskatchewan honours eight Fallen Heroes with GeoMemorial Program
I am delighted that Saskatchewan has honoured the name of my uncle by naming this feature. We, as a family, are very proud of David McAndie and, indeed, of the 10th Canadian Battalion who acquitted themselves so well in the face of the enemy. Especially, those who gave their lives.
Nephew, Mackenzie McAndie
A prominent coulee on the Lake of Rivers near Assiniboia now bears the name of Captain David McAndie. A fallen soldier who homesteaded near the area at the beginning of the Great War.
You can’t describe it. I mean, the thrill is just enormous to think that he will be remembered forever, and that our name will be up there forever. It’s certainly a real privilege.
Wendy McAndie
More
Gunner Bertram Howard Cox in the Great War. Gunner Bertram Howard Cox a positive force always looking for the beautiful things in life and the best side of people he met. He loved children and held his friends and family as the most important in his life.
Not only a miracle Bert survived the war without being wounded, much less killed, also incredible he was able to virtually remove the years he spent in the mud ducking and dodging enemy fire from his life, and never looked back!
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.
Comments
One response to “Captain David McAndie MC DCM MM in the Great War”
[…] David McAndie MC DCM MM also served in the 10th Battalion during the Great War. Lieutenant David McAndie, perhaps […]