Black Sheep
Private Dalton McEwen’s service record ‘blemished’ by a single Act of Courage in the Great War. Dalton perhaps the most undisciplined, and most frequently sanctioned soldier of the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC), if not the entire Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
Dalton may have later attempted to do the same as Private Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond – have his conduct sheet destroyed.
1915
22 February 1915
Private Dalton Frederick McEwen 50973 enlisted at Ottawa on 22 February 1915. A plumber by trade, born 4 April 1895 in Fargo, North Dakota. Previous service with 56th Rifles. At this time, 18 years, 8 months of age, standing 5′ 10″ tall, 160 pounds with fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. N.o.K. James and Marguerite McEwen of Woodroffe, Ontario. Joined the Duchess of Connaught’s Canadian Red Cross Hospital.
6 May 1915
Pte Dalton Frederick McEwen joined No.2 Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport.
1 June 1915
Private Dalton Frederick McEwen demonstrates his issue with authority in less than a month. Not complying with an order – 7 days CB (Confined to Barracks).
8 June 1915
No sooner is Pte McEwen released from CB, now absent from duty – awarded another 7 days CB.
4 August 1915
Absent from duty without leave. Forfeits 14 days pay.
9 August 1915
Private Dalton Frederick McEwen, N.Y.D. (Not Yet Diagnosed) admitted to hospital.
11 August 1915
Being in town without a pass at 6:20 pm. Breaking out of barracks. 14 Days F.P. No.2. Absent from duty without leave, forfeits 7 days pay.
19 August 1915
Pte McEwen discharged from hospital.
29 August 1915
The day of Pte McEwen’s Act of Courage, later recognized on 3 November 1915. Neither Matron Rayside’s nor Lt-Col Bridges war diary mentions the event on this day.
23 October 1915
Rejoined unit from No.5 Stationary Hospital.
29 October 1915
Creating a disturbance in the lines after lights out. 14 + 7 days pay forfeited.
3 November 1915
Act of Courage
“298. Act of Courage.” The Inspector General of Communications wishes to express his appreciation of the prompt and courageous conduct of No. 50973, Pte Dalton McEwen, CAMC, at Le Treport, on 29 August 1915. A French soldier had been bathing and, owing to the rough state of the sea was on the point of being drowned when Private McEwen dashed into the sea, fully dressed, and succeeded in bringing the unconscious man safely to land. A record of the above will be made in the Regimental Conduct Sheet of Private McEwen, in accordance with Para 1919 (XIV) King’s Regulations.”
Extract from Routine Orders by Lt-Gen Sir F T Clayton, dated 3 November 1915.
1916
8 January 1916
Having an untidy kit. Awarded 3 days CD.
21 January 1916
Being out in town during prohibited hours, and being improperly dressed (no waist belt and puttees). Deprived 3 days pay and awarded 14 days CB.
11 February 1916
Neglecting to obey an order, awarded 2 days CB.
18 February 1916
Absent from Parade. Making a false statement to an NCO. Sentenced to 7 days F.P. No. 2 and transferred to Dieppe.
In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner placed in fetters and handcuffs but not attached to a fixed object and still able to march with his unit. A relatively tolerable punishment.
24 March 1916
Influenza, admitted to Etaples, discharged on 5 April 1916.
7 April 1916
Rejoined unit from F.P. Barracks.
29 April 1916
Awarded 14 Days F.P. No.2 for while on Active Service not complying with an order.
24 June 1916
Sentenced to 28 days F.P. No.1 for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he acted in a disgraceful manner when calling for a tram car.
1917
23 February 1917
Sentenced to forfeit 3 days pay for AWOL from roll call.
18 May 1917
Granted 10 days leave to Scotland.
19 August 1917
Sprained right ankle, admitted to No. 7 Canadian Field Ambulance, later discharged to duty on 23 August 1917.
5 October 1917
Sentenced to forfeit 2 days pay for AWOL from roll call.
20 October 1917
Granted 10 days leave to UK.
14 December 1917
Sentenced to forfeit 2 days pay for AWOL from roll call.
27 December 1917
V.D.S., No.55 Casualty Clearing Station.
1918
1 January 1918
V.D.S., No. 51 General Hospital, Etaples.
12 February 1918
V.D.S., No.6 Convalescent Hospital.
8 April 1918
Tonsilitis, No. 2 Stationary Hospital, to No 46 CCS, to No 5 Convalescent Depot, Rouen.
26 April 1918
Tonsilitis, No. 5 Convalescent Depot, Bayeux.
3 May 1918
Synovitus right knee (horse fell on his knee), No. 2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville.
15 May 1918
Synovitus right knee, Base Depot, Etaples.
1 June 1918
Rejoined unit from base.
3 July 1918
No. 12 CCS, syphilis (recurrent).
11 July 1918
No 51 General Hospital, V.D.S. Forfeits pay while in hospital (59 days).
6 September 1918
Left base for unit.
28 September 1918
Rejoined unit for duty.
16 November 1918
Granted 14 days leave.
12 December 1918
Damaged knee, No. 13 CCS.
24 December 1918
Arrived at Etaples.
27 December 1918
SoS to England for Demobilization and posted to Casualty Company, CAMC, Shorncliffe.
1919
24 February 1919
AWOL from Casualty Company.
26 February 1919
SoS from CAMC to Kinmel Park. No participation in the Kinmel Park riots.
22 March 1919
SoS to CAMA, Shorncliffe.
26 March 1919
Found guilty of WOAS, AWOL (32 hrs) from Reveille 19 March 1919. Forfeits 2 days pay.
Reported under escort re ToS from CAMC, Rhyl.
17 April 1919
SoS to CAMC Casualty Company, Shorncliffe.
7 May 1919
SoS to No 16 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington.
12 May 1919
Scabies, No.16 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington.
23 May 1919
Scabies, discharged from No.16 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington.
2 June 1919
Awarded 7 Days CB for AWOL from 13h00 25 May 1919 to 16h30 25 May 1919. Causing comrade to perform his duty. Forfeits one days pay.
3 June 1919
SoS to No 12 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington. Forfeits 10 days pay AWOL from Parade and Drunkenness.
4 July 1919
Transferred to No 12 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington from No. 16 Canadian General Hospital.
11 July 1919
O/C to Branch of DGMS, Orpington pending discharge to Canada.
23 July 1919
SoS to Canada per HMT ROYAL GEORGE 27 July 1919.
Dalton Frederick McEwen – 1957
Unknown what became of Dalton following the Great War. Oddly, VAC has him discharged from service on 29 November 1957 from the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles (DCOR). He would have been 62 years old at this time. Had he also tried like Private Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond to have his conduct sheet destroyed?
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