Captain Alexander Watson Baird, MC and Bar, son of James Baird, K.C. and Haldane R. Baird, of 35 Oriole Gardens, Toronto, Ontario. Born 2 March 1892 in Toronto, Ontario. Attended Upper Canada College 1902-1910, and after leaving U.C.C. attended Toronto University. Then, served 3 months in the 80th Battalion, CEF, and in the 40th Regiment of Militia. Residing at 21st St. Andrews Garden, Toronto, Ontario. An office worker.
Speaking of Captain Baird, one who had served with him said, “He knew and loved the ways of a gentleman.” Going overseas with the 126th Battalion, afterwards transferring to the 116th; Baird went to France in February 1917, and met his death while gallantly leading his company on the first day of the Battle of Amiens, 8 August 1918. He was 26 years of age.
Attestation
Attested 19 June 1915 at Borden Camp with the 126th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He stood 5′ 10″ tall, 145 pounds. Left Canada with the rank of Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Baird’s will completed on 1 August 1916, witnessed by Lt. W. D. Duncan of Port Credit, and Lt. John Thomson of Toronto.
Back Row:—Lts. R. C. Henry, M. R. Jacobi, A. W. Baird, F. W. Ott, R. J. Blain, W. S. Duncan, J. A. Proctor, W. J. Preston, M. Crabtree, C. L. S. Newton.
Third Row:—Lt. H. H. Hyland, Lt. J. J. Doble, Capt. W. E. Shier, Maj. F. H. Moody, Maj. H. P. Cooke, Capt. A. F. Hind, Maj. G. W. P. Every, Capt. A. W. Pratt, Capt. H. V. Gould, Capt. H. L. Major, Capt. G. E. Gilfillan.
Second Row:—Lt. T. W. Hutchison, Lt. G. E. Walls, Capt. J. Moore, M.O., Capt. A. W. McConnell (Adjutant), Maj. R. B. Smith, Lt.-Col. S. S. Sharp, Maj. C. A. V. McCormack, Capt. J. Garbutt, Capt. A. C. McFarlane, Capt. N. E. Fairhead, Capt. C. G. Cowan.
Front Row:—Lt. C. S. Lennox, Lt. J. H. Hughes, Lt. K. L. Wallace.
126th Battalion
Organized in November 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick John Hamilton. Mobilized at Toronto. Recruited in Peel County (West Toronto and Brampton). Embarked from Halifax 14 August 1916 aboard EMPRESS OF BRITAIN. Disembarked England 24 August 1916. Strength: 32 officers, 822 other ranks. Drafts of 350 to 116th Battalion and 450 to 109th Battalion in October 1916. Absorbed by 8th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Disbanded 4 June 1917.
Proceeded on Command to Aldershot for Bombing Course, 10 September 1916, returned to unit 20 September 1916. Baird transferred to 116th Battalion, 15 October 1916.
116th Battalion
Organized in November 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Simpson Sharpe. Mobilized at Uxbridge. Recruited in Ontario County.
Embarked from Halifax 24 July 1916 aboard OLYMPIC. Disembarked England 31 July 1916. Strength: 36 officers, 948 other ranks.
Arrived in France 11 February 1917. 3rd Canadian Division, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Reinforced by 2nd Canadian Reserve Battalion.
France
Lieutenant Baird arrived in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France on 11 February 1917. Then, to 1st Gunnery School Course in August 1917. Returned to unit on 23 September 1917. Finally, granted 10 days Leave to UK, 7 October 1917, and returned to unit 14 October 1917.
Military Cross
Lt Alexander Watson Baird awarded the MC, 26 January 1918. Baird to be Captain, 20 January 1918 (London Gazette 8 March 1918). Then, granted 14 days leave to UK, 24 February 1918, returning to unit 9 March 1918.
Bar to Military Cross
Captain Alexander Watson Baird awarded Bar to Military Cross, London Gazette, No. 6462, 3 June 1918. Captain Baird to “A” Course Lewis Gun School, 8 June 1918, returned to unit, 15 June 1918.
Battle of Amiens
Death of Captain Baird
In the Field,
August 13th, 1918.
To Mrs. J. Baird,
21 St. Andrews Gardens,
Toronto, Ontario., Canada.
Letter to Home
Dear Mrs. Baird :
It is with feelings of deep regret that I write to you to inform you of the death of your son, Captain Alexander Watson Baird, M.C, who was killed in action during the advance on Hamon Wood in the 3rd battle of the Somme, on the morning of August 8th, 1918, in which our Battalion took an active part.
Our advance was meeting with heavy opposition as we gained the top of the hill, the fog and smoke had lifted for a short time, which enabled the German machine gunners to inflict heavy casualties upon us. Capt. Baird, who was leading his company forward at the time, saw a “nest” of German guns and at once charged forward followed by his company. Their rush completely overcame the enemy, your son reached the trench, although he had been hit several times, but died just as the position was won.
Lt-Col. George Pearkes
His prompt and gallant action saved many lives in the Battalion and allowed the advance to continue. During the time your son had served with the Battalion he had distinguished himself as a very courageous, energetic and efficient officer. He was very popular with his brother Officers and with every man in his company. It was through the affection that his men held for him, that they would follow him anywhere. His loss was keenly felt by all ranks in the Battalion. I feel that I have lost not only a brave officer but also a dear friend.
In extending to you the sympathy of my Battalion, I realize that no words of mine can in any small measure tend to solace and comfort you in your sad hours of bereavement, but I feel sure that the Mother of so brave a boy will bear her sorrow as nobly as he died.
I am Yours very sincerely,
(Sd.) G. R. Pearkes,
Lieut.-Col. O. C. 116th
Hourges Orchard Cemetery, Domart-sur-Luce
Captain Baird buried at Hourges Orchard Cemetery, Domart-sur-la-Luce on the Somme.
Memorial Stone
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