Gunner Kenneth MacLeod MacDonald born 21 July 1895 in Arnprior, Ontario. Son of John Alexander Macdonald, and Genevieve O. Macdonald, of Toronto.
Enlistment
Gunner Kenneth MacLeod MacDonald 83151 a butcher, standing 5′ 8″ tall, 160 pounds, with medium complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. In addition, he was Wesleyan, and attested on 9 January 1915 in Toronto. Finally, Lieutenant J Perry H Atkin approving officer, Medical officer Lieutenant W C Laidlaw, AMC and Col W R Ward in charge of records.
Reprimanded
Gunner MacDonald awarded three days C.B. in April 1915. Then, admitted to hospital with Influenza and pneumonia, 16 April 1915.
15th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery
Organized in November 1914 under the command of Major L. E. H. Irving. Firstly, mobilized at Toronto and recruited from the 4th Field Battery (Hamilton) and the 9th Field Battery (Toronto) Non-Permanent Active Militia. Then, left Montreal 28 May 1915 aboard SS NORTHLAND and arrived in England 8 June 1915.
15th Battery strength 5 officers, 151 other ranks. Then, arrived in France 15 September 1915 with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Divisional Artillery.
In addition, transferred to 6th Brigade 22 May 1916, and increased by 6 gun battery 19 March 1917 by addition of right section from 28th Battery. Finally, demobilized at Toronto May 1919 and disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Ultimately, perpetuated by 15th (Toronto) Field Battery.
Unit sailed 28 May 1915, without Gunner MacDonald. Then, Kenneth rejoined unit on 9 July 1915 at Shorncliffe in England.
France and Belgium
From Otterpool Camp, embarked at South Hampton and landed in France, 15 September 1915 with the 4th Brigade, CFA.
Then, from 26 October 1915, the 8th Howitzer Brigade now known as the 6th Canadian Field Artillery Howitzer Brigade.
Kenneth granted leave of absence 28 April 1916. Then, leave extended by one day and Gunner MacDonald returned to unit 7 May 1916.
Gunner MacDonald S.O.S. on being transferred to 6th Brigade CFA on origin of establishment, 22 May 1916.
Wyschaete
In the Wyschaete vicinity, enemy shelled the 15th Battery from 4:45 p.m. for 1 3/4 hours. Two dead, five wounded. Friends, Gunner Percy Plato 83141 and Gunner MacDonald the two men of the CFA killed on this day.
Gunner Kenneth MacLeod MacDonald, 15th Battery, 6th Howitzer Brigade killed-in-action 31 May 1916.
Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Reference: K. 2.
Dickebusch New Military Cemetery
Dickebusch New Military Cemetery is located 5 Km south west of Ieper town centre, in the village of Dikkebus itself. (Dikkebus is the modern spelling of Dickebusch). Firstly, from Ieper town centre the Dikkebusseweg (N375), is reached via Elverdingsestraat, straight over a roundabout onto J. Capronstraat (for 30 metres), then left along M. Fochlaan. Secondly, immediately after the train station, the first right hand turning is the Dikkebusseweg and on reaching the village of Dikkebus, the Dickebusch New Military Cemetery is located on the Kerkstraat, which is a small street turning left off the Dikkebusseweg. Finally, 200 metres along this street, and just beyond the village church lies the cemetery. This cemetery lies opposite Dickebusch New Military Extension.
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.