Name/Title
2021 - Sargeant John William Young, DCM - Article about an original member of the 1st Regiment, Grenadier Guards of Canada - and recipient of the Canadian Distinguished Conduct Medal (1916)Scope and Content
2021 - Sargeant John William Young, DCM - Original member of the 1st Regiment, Grenadier Guards of Canada - and recipient of the Canadian Distinguished Conduct Medal (1916).
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, 457053 Sgt W.J. Young was a 1st Regiment, Canadian Grenadier Guard from 1914-1915 and was part of CGG's contribution contingent towards the 60th Battalion CEF. He won his DCM in 1916 but was so severely injured with gunshot and shellshock that he returned to Canada a shattered man. He ended up passing away on 26 Dec 1951 at age 64 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Because he had been a CGG volunteer to the 60th and transferred to the 15th Battalion CEF, without having served in the 87th Battalion (CGG), he had long fallen off the radar as a member of The Regiment. That was, until his Grandniece was interviewed as part an online article in 2021 and shared his story.
After reaching out to her through the article journalist, I was able to speak with Mrs. Martin and she shared that it was well known that while alive, Sgt. William John Young, DCM would never talk about his wartime experiences. They added that despite having received the second highest award for valour that a Private in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) could receive next to the Victoria Cross, “the one prized possession from his years in the CEF he owned and treasured most was a photo of him as a Private with The Canadian Grenadier Guards.”.
The above story illustrates that in ways that complements CGG’s current operational priorities, CGG Museum research projects help unlock meaningful and interesting facts and anecdotes about the lives, contributions, and sacrifices our thousands of wartime soldiers have made, and reinforces CGG’s legacy as a truly unique Canadian Militia unit. The message we hope to convey is that no matter the era or conflict, our Veterans and War Heroes will always be an important part of who we are as The Canadian Grenadier Guards.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
October 25, 2024Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
October 25, 2024
