Sergeant James Quaey Nelson and a Possible Connection with My Grandfather

A recent blog comment allowed this blog to find out about a member of the 18th Battalion. Sergeant Jame Quaey Nelson shared a lot of similar background biographical information just like my Grandfather and Great Uncle. All were born in the “old country” of Scotland and recent immigrants. Sergeant Nelson was 3 years older than William Robb Dewar but the both enlisted in Galt, Ontario and only a day apart. For some reason William’s regimental number was lower than Nelson’s though Sgt. Nelson attested the day previously.

Regardless, this new information brings into the possibility that these two men knew each other. They joined a day apart from the same town and had a similar background.

Source: Blog comment from family member.

“My grandfather James Quaey Nelson #53947 won a Distinguished Conduct Medal, which my father has, with the 18th battalion at Flers-Courcelette. He was from Glasgow and moved to the Galt Ont. area in 1912, attesting there on Oct 25 1914 age 25. He was in France from Sept 15 1915 until April 26 1918. Survived the war and went back to Preston Ont., got married and moved to Woodstock where he was a moulder at a foundry there. He passed away in 1953. I have his records from LAC and the war diary pages for his DCM.”

Distinguished Conduct Medal: Date of Award – September 15, 1916. Date of Citation – October 22, 1916.

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry in action. When his officer and NCO had been killed, Private Nelson took charge of his Lewis gun sections and skilfully placed the guns in position in advance of the captured line. He displayed great coolness and courage throughout the operations.