Source: Unknown. Probably records of promotions for other members of the 18th Battalion.
Military Medal for Bravery in the Field per London Gazette. No. 30172. Page 6840.
Died at Park City, Utah.
Military Service of John Weir Baxter, reg. no. 159603
This man enlisted with the 81st Battalion, CEF, at Toronto, Ontario on 24 November 1915. His attestation paper shows he was born at Glasgow, Scotland on December 19, 1884. He was an unmarried clerk and was residing at 35 Wood Street, Toronto, Ontario. His next-of-kin was his mother, Christina Baker residing at 95 South Portland Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
He claimed 4-years prior military experience with the 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers.
His apparent age was 30-years and 10-months old and he stood 5’ 5.75” tall with a chest of 36” expanding 1.5”. He had a medium complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. He had a scar on the right side of his body from a hernia operation. He weighed 126 pounds. He was a Presbyterian.
He arrived at Liverpool, England on May 6, 1916 aboard the SS Olympic with the 81st Battalion. He was transferred to the 18th Battalion on June 21, 1916, and after transiting to his unit through the Canadian Base Depot at Etaples, France he arrived in the front lines on July 14, 1916.
He was promoted to Corporal on September 16, 1916, after the bloody battle of Flers-Courcelette.
He was appointed to Lance-Sergeant on April 9, 1917, the day of the Attack on Vimy Ridge.
He was then awarded the Military Cross on April 6, 1917, for “Bravery in the Field” for actions before the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
He served with the battalion and was able to enjoy two leaves during his service, both to England.
He had some dental issues and had treatment at Etaples from November 17 to December 22, 1918.
He appears to have completed his service with the 18th Battalion but was transferred to England and served in a support capacity until he returned to Canada.
He was discharged from service at Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 27, 1919, upon demobilization. He indicated that he would be residing at Salt Lake City, Utah.
War Diary of the 18th Battalion CEF 