Name/Title
Sgt. Richard D.C.M. Nelson — Fort Garry HorseEntry/Object ID
FL-2026-33-10Photograph Details
Subject Person or Organization
Richard NelsonContext
Sgt. Richard D.C.M. Nelson — Fort Garry Horse
Dick, who was born in 1888, served in the Fort Garry Horse, overseas and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He and his wife Freda (Light) Nelson and son Jack farmed across the Battle River, south of Battleford, Sask. Dick moved his family to Battleford and he worked at the stockyard for a few years. He was Mayor of Battleford and President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. #9 in 1942/43 and 1945. Richard Nelson died in 1968.
Here is the complete transcription of the Attestation Paper visible in the top document image:
TRIPLICATE
No. 553031
Folio.
ATTESTATION PAPER.
CANADIAN OVER-SEAS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
QUESTIONS TO BE PUT BEFORE ATTESTATION.
1. What is your surname? Nelson
1a. What are your Christian names? Richard
1b. What is your present address? Battleford, Sask
2. In what Town, Township or Parish, and in what Country were you born? Kendal, Westmoreland, Eng.
3. What is the name of your next-of-kin? John Nelson.
4. What is the address of your next-of-kin? Skelsmergh, Kendal, Westmoreland, Eng.
4a. What is the relationship of your next-of-kin? Father.
5. What is the date of your birth? November 27th, 1888.
6. What is your Trade or Calling? Carpenter.
7. Are you married? No.
8. Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated and inoculated? Yes.
9. Do you now belong to the Active Militia? No.
10. Have you ever served in any Military Force? No.
11. Do you understand the nature and terms of your engagement? Yes.
12. Are you willing to be attested to serve in the CANADIAN OVER-SEAS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE? Yes.
DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY MAN ON ATTESTATION.
I, Richard Nelson, do solemnly declare that the above are answers made by me to the above questions and that they are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagements by me now made, and I hereby engage and agree to serve in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, and to be attached to any arm of the service therein, for the term of one year, or during the war now existing between Great Britain and Germany should that war last longer than one year, and for six months after the termination of that war provided His Majesty should so long require my services, or until legally discharged.
Date JUN 12 1916 191
(Signature of Recruit) Richard Nelson
(Signature of Witness) [Signature Unreadable]
OATH TO BE TAKEN BY MAN ON ATTESTATION.
I, Richard Nelson, do make Oath, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Fifth, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will as in duty bound honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown and Dignity, against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and of all the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.
Date JUN 12 1916 191
(Signature of Recruit) Richard Nelson
(Signature of Witness) [Signature Unreadable]
CERTIFICATE OF MAGISTRATE.
The Recruit above-named was cautioned by me that if he made any false answer to any of the above questions he would be liable to be punished as provided in the Army Act.
The above questions were then read to the Recruit in my presence.
I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said Recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me, at Winnipeg, Man this day of JUN 12 1916.
(Signature of Justice) [Signature Unreadable] Major
Here is the complete transcription of the second page (Description and Certificates) for Richard Nelson:
Description of Richard Nelson on Enlistment.
* Apparent Age: 28 years 5 months.
(To be determined according to the instructions given in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.)
* Height: 6 ft. — ins.
* Chest measurement:
* Girth when fully expanded: 37 ins.
* Range of expansion: 3 ins.
* Complexion: Fair
* Eyes: Blue
* Hair: Lt. Brown
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease:
(Should the Medical Officer be of opinion that the recruit has served before, he will, unless the man acknowledges to any previous service, attach a slip to that effect, for the information of the Approving Officer).
[None Listed]
* Church of England: Yes
* Presbyterian:
* Methodist:
* Baptist or Congregationalist:
* Roman Catholic:
* Jewish:
* Other denominations:
CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I have examined the above-named Recruit and find that he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
He can see at the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs, and he declares that he is not subject to fits of any description.
I consider him* Fit for the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.
Date: MAY 22 1916
Place: Winnipeg, Man.
S. E. Holmes
Capt. A.M.C.
Medical Officer.
*Insert here "fit" or "unfit."
Note.—Should the Medical Officer consider the Recruit unfit, he will fill in the foregoing Certificate only in the case of those who have been attested, and will briefly state below the cause of unfitness:—
CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER COMMANDING UNIT
Richard Nelson having been finally approved and inspected by me this day, and his Name, Age, Date of Attestation, and every prescribed particular having been recorded, I certify that I am satisfied with the correctness of this Attestation.
Thomas Cook Lieut.
(Signature of Officer)
O. C. Service Squadron, 34th Fort Garry Horse.
Date: JUN 12 1916Created By
Justin M. MillerCreate Date
August 30, 2026Updated By
Justin M. MillerUpdate Date
September 12, 2026
