William Stewart Wood DSO (1878 - 1947)

Born 26 Aug 1878 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Gertrude Aline Hazel Stark — married 17 Apr 1911 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada

Died 7 Feb 1947 at age 68 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada

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Biography

Born on 26 August 1878 in Ottawa, Ontario to Frederick Beauchamp Wood and Mary Stewart^[1] He was husband of Gertrude Alice Hazel Stark, Ottawa, Ontario.^[2] They had two sons, Frederick Stark Wood ^[3] and William Nevison Wood.^[4]

He joined the the 43rd Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles around 1895^[5] and was a lieutenant in 1903.^[6] His brother was also a member, as well as his cousin Robert G. Stewart.

At the time of his enlistment in 1915, his occupation was as a salesman and he was still an active member of the 43rd Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles.^[5] He was attached first to the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 1 February 1915, serving with them during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda, later landing in France on 13 August 1916 and then sent to England for duty on 26 August 1917.^[5]

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in Aug 1917^[7] - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion. He co-operated with another battalion in an attack with great courage and skill, materially assisting in the capture and subsequent consolidation of important positions." - unit recommendation dated 1917: "Performed valuable work during attack on Vimy Ridge. He also later took command of the Battn. and remained continuously on duty until the Battn. was relieved."

He was twice Mentioned in Despatches, first in Jun 1917 for "distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty" during the previous winter,^[8] then in Dec 1917 for "valuable services rendered".^[9]

Promoted lieutenant-colonel and appointed commanding officer of The Ottawa Highlanders (later Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa) on 1 June 1923 - relinquished command on 1 June 1927.^[10]

1891 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.^[11]

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace Father birthplace Mother birthplace Occupation

William Stewart Head M 45 Ireland Ireland Ireland Contractor

Sarah Stewart Mother F 74 Ireland Ireland Ireland

Margaret Stewart Sister F 43 Quebec Ireland Ireland

Sarah Stewart Sister F 36 Ireland Ontario Ireland Schoolteacher

Elizabeth Stewart Sister F 34 Ontario Ireland Ireland

William Wood Nephew M 12 Ontario England Ontario

Frederick Wood Nephew M 10 Ontario England Ontario

Edith Wood Niece F 8 Ontario England Ontario

Notes

Obituary:^[12] Lt. Col. W.S. Wood Of 38th Battalion. Dies in 69th Year A prominent figure in military circles in Eastern Canada for almost 50 years, and one of the leading organizers of the 38th Battalion overseas in World War I, Lt Col. William Stewart Wood, DSO, of 157 First avenue, died in Ottawa Civic Hospital, Friday. He was in his 69th year. His death will be learned with regret by military men in Ottawa district where he had a wide acquaintance among veterans of both World Wars; Col. C. M. Edwards of Ottawa last night paid tribute to his colleague of nearly 50 years: "In almost half a century of association with Lt. Col. Wood, I found that he at all times exemplified, the highest traditions of the Canadian soldier. Of him it might be said truly, he was an officer and a gentleman. With Lt Col. A. E. Oliver, DSO., and myself, he played a leading part in organizing the 38th Battalion in World War I. Lt. Col. Wood is survived by his wife, the former Hazel Stark, whom he married in Ottawa in 1911, and two sons, Frederick Stark Wood and William Nevison Wood, both veterans of overseas service in World War II and residents of Ottawa. The funeral will take place Monday at three p.m., in the Hulse and Playfair Chapel. Internment will be in Beechwood Cemetery. Lt Col. Wood's military career began at the age of 17, when he joined the old 43rd Regiment. He served in an active capacity for 32 years, being transferred to the reserve of officers in 1927, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. For four years immediately prior to the transfer, he was officer commanding the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Wood, he was born in Toronto and came to Ottawa as a child. He received his early education at Ottawa public schools and Lisgar Collegiate. Proceeding overseas in August 1915, he transferred to the 38th Battalion with the rank of major. He received the DSO for gallantry in several actions in France. His bravery during the battle of Desire Trench on the Somme, on November 18, 1916, was singled out for special mention. He was a member of the Canadian Legion, the 43rd Regimental Association and a past president of the 38th Battalion Association. Lt Col. Wood at all times showed the keenest interest in returned soldiers both after World War I and following World War II. He was retired in September 1939, retaining his rank. Lt Col. Wood was well-known in business circles in Ottawa, where for many years, he was associated with the Federal Typewriter Company. He was also a keen sportsman, being a member of the Jovial Fish and Game Club and took an active interest in national affairs as a member of the Canadian Club of Ottawa.

Sources

1. ↑ "Ontario Births, 1869-1912," William Stewart Wood, 26 Aug 1878; citing Birth, Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto
2. ↑ "Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927," William Stewart Wood and Gertrude Alice Hazel Stark, 17 Apr 1911; citing registration , Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto
3. ↑ "Ontario Births, 1869-1912," William Stewart Wood in entry for Frederick Stark Wood, 17 Oct 1912; citing Birth, Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto
4. ↑ Death Notice William Nevison Wood. 4 Nov 1985. The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. p 4
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} Great War personnel records. http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B10546-S001
6. ↑ Chambers. 1903."The Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles: A Regimental History of the Forty-Third Regiment, Active Canadian Militia". E L Ruddy. Ottawa.
7. ↑ London Gazette. No 30234.
8. ↑ London Gazette. No 30107. 1 Jun 1917
9. ↑ London Gazette. No 30448. 28 Dec 1917
10. ↑ "Cameron Highlanders' King's Color". 17 Oct 1936. The Ottawa Journal. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. p 2
11. ↑ 1891 Census Canada. Library and Archives.
12. ↑ Obituary. Saturday, 8 Feb 1947. The Ottawa Journal. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. p 13