Private John Robert McDonald born in Mabou, Nova Scotia on 14 March 1893. Father John B McDonald of Mabou, West Inverness County. Single and a labourer/miner. Pvt McDonald served with the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) in the Great War.
Private John Robert McDonald 414215 enlisted with the 40th Battalion in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 4 June 1915. Lt Col H Howel approving, certified by the O/C Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Vincent. At this time, John Robert stood 5′ 10″ tall, 156 pounds, with fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair – John never vaccinated.
40th Battalion
Organized in May 1915 under the Command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Vincent. Mobilized at Aldershot, Nova Scotia, and recruited in Nova Scotia. Draft of 5 officers 250 other ranks and later sent to England on 15 June 1915. Then, another draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England on 9 October 1915. Finally, disembarked from Quebec 18 October 1915 aboard SAXONIA, and disembarked England 29 October 1915 with a strength of 40 officers, 1090 other ranks.
Later, absorbed by 26th Canadian Reserve Battalion 4 January 1917, and disbandment approved by Privy Council Order 1895 of 17 July 1917. In addition, perpetuated by The Halifax Rifles. Furthermore, claimed that 2500 other ranks passed through battalion.
England
Before travelling overseas, Private John Robert McDonald transferred to the 25th Battalion.
25th Battalion
The 25th Canadian Infantry Battalion organized in October 1914 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. A. LeCain. Firstly, mobilized at Halifax and recruited in Nova Scotia (Halifax, Sydney, Yarmouth, Amherst and Truro). Then, embarked from Halifax 20 May 1915 aboard SAXONIA, and disembarked England 29 May 1915 with a strength of 42 officers, 1081 other ranks. Later, arrived in France 15 September 1915, with the 2nd Canadian Division, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Later, reinforced by 26th Canadian Reserve Battalion, and returned to England 9 April 1919.
Corporal Sydney Duncan, 25th Battalion, killed in action the same day Private John Robert McDonald wounded, and later buried in Plot VIII, Row EE, Grave 3, Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Neuville-St Vaast.
Then, arrived in Canada 16 May 1919, and demobilized 17 May 1919. In addition, pipe band, bugle band, and Colours made and presented in 1917 by Lady Beaverbrook, the battalion’s honorary colonel, then deposited in Legislative Council Room, Halifax, in 1920. In addition, perpetuated by The Colchester and Hants Regiment which, in 1936, amalgamated with The Cumberland Highlanders to form the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.
France
On 6 April 1816, Private John Robert McDonald admitted to No. 23 General Hospital at Etaples with VDS. Then, transferred to No.9 Stationary Hospital at Le Havre on 7 April 1916, and transferred to No.12 Camp at Harfleur on 27 May 1916. Finally, John left to return to his unit on 30 May 1916, arriving with them the next day. In addition, forfeits 50 cents per diem whilst in hospital (50 days).
Field Punishment No.1
Private John Robert McDonald awarded 5 days Field Punishment No.1 for being AWOL and absent from Parades 25 August 1916.
Pvt McDonald granted ten days leave on 4 August 1917, returning to his unit only a few days before being wounded.
Battle of Hill 70
Just prior to the battle, details move to Marqueffles Farm training area, going into billets at Corons d’Marqueffles. Brigade Training Battalion under command of Major A E Dubuc, DSO, 22nd (Van Doos) Battalion.
Battle position established in cellar at 36c.M.12.b.40.43, Cite St. Edouard at 9:30 pm, 14 August 1917. The jump-off location of the 25th Battalion extreme lower right of the image below on Rue Plumecocq just off of Route de Bethune.
The 25th Battalion participated in the Battle of Hill 70 with other battalions of the 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions. Later, casualties estimated at 3 Officers and 30 Other Ranks.
Private John Robert McDonald Wounded
John dangerously wounded on 15 August 1917 and admitted to No. 23 Casualty Clearing Station (GSW Neck). Later, invalided to 3rd West Gerenar Hospital, Cardiff on 21 August 1917. Later invalided to England on 6 September 1917 and admitted to Canadian General Hospital, Bearwood. Finally, discharged on 18 October 1917 to the Nova Scotia Regimental Depot, Bramshott.
Private John Robert McDonald’s wounds have healed, however, left arm and hand are weak – there had been paralysis of the left arm after his wounding – assigned to Category C.
Return to Canada
Private John Robert McDonald embarked for Canada from Liverpool on 23 December 1917, and later assigned to Category D. Then, Taken on Strength of No.6 Discharge Depot, Halifax on 18 April 1918, and posted to the Hospital Section. Then, transferred to the Casualty Company on 13 May 1918.
Private John Robert McDonald discharged as medically unfit on 2 July 1918 at Medical District No. 6 in Halifax, having been attached to the 6th Battalion, Canadian Garrison Regiment. John has trouble on lifting any weight, with pain across the shoulder and down his arm, also a continual ache prevents him from sleeping at night. In addition, troubled by a chronic cough and some expectoration.
Furthermore, there is tenderness in the muscle around the site of the wound, but more particularly upward towards the occiput and down to shoulders – may improve in time. Finally, suggested four week stay at No.3 Eastern General Hospital, followed by seven weeks at the Canadian Convalescent Hospital. Following his stay, the left-arm is one-half as strong as the right, and grip of left hand one-half of the right – he can perform movements of arm in normal manner.
Special Thanks
Brennan Moran the grandson of Private John Robert McDonald suggested this CEFRG post. John died before Brennan’s birth, and like most soldiers on the Western Front, told little to Brennan’s mother about the Great War. The lesson to be learned – those that did tell, usually lied because they had never made it to the front, because they were deemed unfit as battlefield soldiers.
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