Canada, CEF . A First War Military Medal Group to Sjt. McDonald King, Brigade Grenade Section, 5th CMR

A Military Medal, (110298 PTE W.J.A. KING. 5/CAN:M.RIF.); 1914-15 Star,(110298 SJT. W.J.A. McD. KING 5/CAN:MTD. RIF:); British War Medal. (LIEUT. W.J.A.M. KING.); Victory Medal (LIEUT. W.J.A.M. KING.) naming impressed, very fine.

Footnote: William John Alexander McDonald King was born on June 9, 1891 in St. Sylvester, West Quebec. He was employed as a labourer, with previous experience with the 55th Regiment and the 5th Royal Highlanders prior to enlisting for the Great War on March 10, 1915. He was awarded the military medal while serving with the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Upon being taken on strength in January 1917, he served with the 14th reserve battalion, and was transferred to the 11th reserve battalion in October 1917.

August 12, 1916, No. 13 General Hospital for a gunshot wound to the right arm and head. The medical case sheet states “P[atient] went to France October 1915. About June 15th  P was in Hospital with influenza for about 10 days - then resumed duty. August 11th P was wounded by shrapnel-bullet while out in the open, causing about injuries. Bullet passed through right arm - superficial wound forehead.” He was later in the hospital suffering from erythema intertrigo (skin irritation, in January 1919.

He was awarded the Military Medal on October 27, 1916. The citation for the decoration states:
“For continuous good work and devotion to duty in Brigade Grenade Section setting an excellent example of coolness and courage to his comrades.”

King was demobilized in 1919.