Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden D.S.O. of the 85th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalion in the Great War. Two tours of duty as commanding officer of the Nova Scotia Highlanders following service with the Royal Canadian Regiment (R.C.R.). Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
Early Life
Born in Guysboro, Nova Scotia on 31 March 1878, son of the late Rev. Jonathan Borden, a Methodist preacher. Borden graduated from King’s County Academy where he taught school for several years. Then, entered Mount Allison University. After graduation from Mount Allison, returned to teaching. Then, entering the permanent force, as a career soldier, but maintained his interest in Mount Allison University.
He was a cousin of Sir Robert Borden, Canada’s war-time Prime Minister, and the late Sir Frederick Borden, former Canadian Minister of Militia (1896–1911). Despite being the cousin of the prime minister, A.H. Borden had little in common with Canada’s political leader. Fortunately, for the men under the command of Colonel Borden. However, it did not stop Sir Robert Borden from later becoming the battalion’s honourary colonel. The differences between the cousins became much more evident to the Highlanders immediately following the Armistice.
Service
Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden first became a senior officer with the Royal Canadian Regiment (R.C.R.). He had joined the 68th Militia Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant in 1902. Then, Lieutenant 68th Regt, 30 Apr 1904. Gaining an appointment as Captain in the R.C.R. on 1 August 1907. Finally, Major, of The R.C.R., on 26 June 1915, and D.A.A. & Q.M.G., M.D.
England
Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden Commanding Canadian Training in England, 1916.
Colonel Borden, preceding the Brigade overseas by a month, joined the R.C.R. in France to gain necessary battlefield experience in November 1916. Recovering from a wound taken in the field, he rejoined his Highlanders in England.
Borden once again headed for France, disembarked with the 11th C.I.B. at Boulogne on 10 February 1917. On command of the 38th Battalion of the 12th C.I.B. from 19 February to 25 February 1917.
In May, Borden involved in an incident described by Brigadier-General Victor Wentworth Odlum in a confidential message to 11th C.I.B. HQ concerning Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Vivian Harvey, D.S.O. Harvey awarded the D.S.O. in January of 1917 prior to Borden’s arrival in France.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He showed great coolness and power of organisation during preparations, also in reorganizing and directing consolidation under very heavy fire, He set a splendid example throughout, and materially assisted in the success of operations.
London Gazette No. 29898, 10 January 1917
DSO Controversy
This Order instituted on 9 November 1886 by Queen Victoria to reward meritorious or distinguished service in wartime. A military Order for officers only, and normally given for services under fire or under conditions equivalent to service in actual combat with the enemy.
However, between 1914 and 1916 the DSO often awarded under circumstances not regarded as under fire. Many officers received the DSO merely for service behind the lines. Borden awarded his DSO a year after Harvey in July of 1918. Borden, like Harvey merited their awards for distinguished service in the trenches under fire.
Both Borden and Harvey sent back to England after receiving their DSOs. One in disgrace, the other, in failing health. General Victor Odlum involved both times, out of concern for the men under his command.
Chateau de la Haie
“On the night of 20/21 May the 54th Battalion was relieved in the forward area and marched to ST. LAWRENCE CAMP, near CHATEAU DE LA HAIE.
At 2 p.m. on the 21st, I sent Captain E.O.C. martin, Staff-Captain, to see the Battalion and arrange with the CC. for me to visit him later in the day. Captain MARTIN found that Lt-Col. V.V. HARVEY, with Lt-Col. J.G. WRIGHT, who is acting second in command, and A/Major T.E.L. TAYLOR, the Adjutant, had gone to BETHUNE and were not at the Camp.
At 5:15 p.m., I myself went to ST. LAWRENCE CAMP to arrange about a programme of training for the tour in divisional Reserve. I found the O.C., the Second in Command, and the Adjutant away. The Assistant Adjutant, Lt. R. CHERRIE, told me that they had gone to BETHUNE, but were expected back at any time.
At 10:30 p.m., I again went to the Camp. All three senior Officers were still absent. Major M.A. McInnes, who is with the Battalion as supernumerary officer, told me that they should be back at any time. They had gone to BETHUNE for lunch, and had apparently stayed longer than they intended.
I remained at the Battalion Headquarters till 11:45 p.m. but as the three officers did not turn up, I returned to Brigade Headquarters, leaving instructions for Lt-Col. HARVEY to phone me as soon as he arrived.
Brigadier-General Victor W. Odlum
22 May 1917
At 1 a.m., on the 22nd, I again phoned and found that the party were not back. I once more left definite instructions to be called up on their return, and I notified Divisional Headquarters of their absence.
At 5 a.m., I phoned a second time, and at 8 a.m., a third time. They were still absent. I had called a conference of C.O.’s. for 8:45 a.m. At 8:10 a.m., Lt-Col. HARVEY called me up and said that he had just got in. He remained at BETHUNE over night owing to rain.
I was myself out at 11:45 p.m. the night before. It was then only commencing to rain and the rain was very light. It was raining much more heavily on the morning of the 22nd. I had given no permission to Lt-Col. HARVEY to be absent from Camp, nor had be applied for any. If he had applied, I would have refused permission as I wanted all Commanding Officers to be present to arrange for the programme of training.
In view of this incident I no longer have confidence in Lt-Col. HARVEY and I recommend that he be removed from the command of the 54th Battalion and returned to England where he may be otherwise employed. I would not again send the Battalion into action under his command.
I have placed Major A.B. CAREY, of the 102nd Battalion, in acting command of the 54th Battalion.
May this recommendation be treated as urgent, please.
(Sgd) V.W. ODLUM,
Brigadier-General
Brigadier-General Victor W. Odlum
Comdg. 11th Canadian Inf. Brigade.”
Hill 145
The 85th first saw action at Hill 145 during the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Borden went on sick leave during summer 1917, relinquishing command to Major James Layton Ralston, a Nova Scotia MPP and future Minister of Defence during the Second World War.
Although not fit for duty, Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden then called upon to attend the General Court-Martial of Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Vivian Harvey, D.S.O. in July.
General Court-Martial
Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden of the 85th Canadian Infantry Battalion called as a Waiting Member at the General Court-Martial held at 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade HQ on 8 July 1917. Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Vivian Harvey, D.S.O., 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion, charged with A.A Sec.:
When on Active Service, Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, in that he, accompanied by his Acting Second in Command, and Adjutant, was absent from his battalion when in the field, from about 11.00 a.m. on 21st May 1917 until about 8.00 a.m. on 22 May 1917, thereby allowing the Battalion to be without the services of the Commanding Officer, the Acting Second in Command, and the Adjutant, during the whole of such absence.
A.A Sec.
Brigadier-General Victor W. Odlum
Second Witness, Brig.-Genl. V.W. Odlum, C.M.G. D.S.O., Commanding 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade.
“On the night of the 20th May, the Brigade was relieved from the forward area, and the 54th Battalion, along with the others, moved back, going into huts in St. Lawrence Camp. Beside the Chateau de la Haie. The move was completed during the night of the 20th/21st May. On the 21st, I took no steps to get in touch with the Battalions until the afternoon, preferring to allow them to rest in the morning.
In the afternoon I went out to visit the Battalions in turn. The last one I went to was the 54th Battalion. The time would be about 6 p.m. I found that the O.C., and Col. Wright and Major Taylor, were absent. About 19:30 the same night, and again went to St. Lawrence Camp, and again found the same three Officers absent. I left word with the Assistant Adjutant to have the O.C. call me up as soon as the returned, first waiting myself at his Headquarters until 11:45 p.m. hoping that he would return.
Brigadier-General Victor W. Odlum
22 May 1917
I went back to my own Office and continued to do some work, which kept me until after one o’clock the next morning. Just before retiring, I telephoned and asked for the O.C. 54th Battalion, and failed to get him. I once more asked to be called up on his return.
At five o’clock in the morning of the 22nd May, I found again, as I had had no message, and once more failed to get in touch with the O.C. 54th Battalion. At 8 a.m. I phoned for the third time, with the same result. Approximately five minutes after I had phoned on the last occasion, I was called up by Gol. Harvey, who informed me that he had just come back.
I had had no intimation that Col. Harvey proposed to leave Camp, or that he would take with him Col. Wright and Maj Taylor, nor had I given any consent for them to be absent.”
Brigadier-General Victor W. Odlum
ARGUMENT FOR DEFENCE
Sir,
I have the honour to request that you will forward this letter with the amended statement you you have sent me to sign and “read”, for the consideration of the Corps Commander.
In connection with the first paragraph of page 2, I had informed the brigade major that I intended going to Bethune on the 21st and I was not informed that my presence would be required.
I chose this day as my Bn was allotted the Baths and all my arrangements had been completed and copy sent to the brigade showing my system for (censored) days.
The Assistant Adjudant knew where I was an if the matter was important “he could have found me.”
I was at the Conference of the CO’s called for 8:45 and was then told I was not required (censored). I am not prepared to be sent back to England on these grounds.
Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Vivian Harvey, D.S.O.
SENTENCE
The Court sentences the accused: Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Vivian Harvey, D.S.O., 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion to be Reprimanded.
Signed at Headquarters 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Gerry Servins, this 11th day of July 1917.
C.A. MacLaren
C.A. MacLaren
Lieutenant Brigadier General
Judge Advocate President
Less than ten days after the sentence handed down, Harvey would once again receive recognition for his service.
Mentioned in Despatches for Distinguished and Galant Services and Devotion to Duty in the Field.
London Gazette, No. 301017, 20 July 1917
General Odlum disagreed vehemently with the court, and made sure Harvey bound for England shortly afterwards, where he arrived on 24 August 1917. Harvey arrived in Canada on 4 February 1918, for disposal by A.G., Ottawa. No medical examination prior to discharge, and no indication Harvey ever sought treatment during any time of his service.
Borden Returns to the 85th Battalion
Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden rejoined the 85th in September 1917, but remained troubled by his ill health and pain. Gas exposure at Passchendaele in November 1917 exacerbated Borden’s heart trouble. Admitted to hospital in late April 1918 and command passed to Ralston (again). Doctors found Borden overweight and declared him unfit for field duty. Diagnosed with D.A.H., suffering attacks of abdominal pain and vomiting.
DSO
Borden’s DSO citation much like that of Harvey describing great leadership under fire.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. By his personal reconnaissance prior to the attack, in the face of great danger from machine-gun and rifle fire, he obtained sufficient information to modify his plans so as to deal with the unexpected situation caused by the enemy’s counter-attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made a tour of the line, making the necessary adjustments in dispositions to ensure its being held. His example to his battalion was magnificent, and his determination, courageous conduct, and skilful leadership inspired all ranks to hold on to their objective, even though their losses were very heavy.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 5 JULY, 1918; 2 July 1918, Issue number: 30780, Page number: 7890
Post Great War
A.A. & Q.MG., M.D. 6, 1919.
Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, Military District, assistant to the Colonel AQ, head of “A” (administration) and “Q” (logistic) staffs.
G.S.O. 1, M.D. 10, 1920.
General Staff Officer, Military District.
D.O.C., M.D. 2, 1923.
District Officer Commanding, Military District.
Colonel Commandant, 1923.
Borden became Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Death
A few weeks prior to his death, elected president of the Hants-Kings Alumni Association (Mount Allison University).
Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden D.S.O., died 19 July 1932. Borden, organizer of the famous Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, first overseas commander of the Nova Scotia Highlanders, scholar and teacher, died at his home recently, following an attack of heart trouble. He was 54 years of age. Colonel Borden first appointed to the Regiment on the 1st August 1907.
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