Ft-Lt. G. C. Mackay - 490805

Ft-Lt G. C. Mackay

courtesy of 213 Squadron Association

According to his attestation papers dated May 22, 1916 at Toronto, George Chisholm MacKay of Mimico was born on May 17, 1898 in Sunderland, Ontario.  He listed his mother Evelyn MacKay, 11 Victor Avenue, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a student and an active member (5 months) of the G.G.B.G.  He was 18 years old and stood 5 feet 8 3/4 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion.  He had a scar on his upper left lip, and a mole on his right shoulder.  He was a Presbyterian.

He was assigned to the 213 Squadron.  The squadron was originally with the Royal Navy Air Service but was later made part of the Royal Air Force.

According to newpaper articles he was the son of the Rev. G.J. MacKay of Mimico and became an officer in the Royal Flying Corps where he racked up 18 victories.  In 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.  In late 1918 he was honoured by the King of Belgium.  He returned to Mimico in May 1919 a decorated flying ace. 

The following information is courtesy of the http://www.airforce.ca/:

MacKAY, Captain George Chisholm - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 3 June 1918. Born in Sunderland, Ontario, 17 May 1898; home in Mimico Beach (Toronto) where he was a student. Appointed Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, Ottawa, 14 March 1917; to Crystal Palace, 19 April 1917; to Eastbourne, 30 April 1917; to Cranwell, 7 July 1917; to Freiston, 17 September 1917; to Manstone, 29 September 1917; to No.13 (N) Squadron (first operational posting), 22 October 1917 with which he served until 15 September 1918 (wounded); invalided to England, 28 September 1918; to No.5 Group for No.213 Squadron, 29 October 1918; to unemployed list, 20 May 1919. No citation, but reported to have taken part in naval raids on Ostende and Zeebruge, "and has brought down ten German machines."

MacKAY, Captain George Chisholm - Croix de Guerre with Palme (France) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919. No citation other than "for valuable services rendered in connection with the war".


MacKAY, Captain George Chisholm - Chevalier, Order of Leopold (Belgium) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919. Public Record Office Air 1/107/15/9/297 has citation as published in General Order 580, Armee francais de Belgique (date not shown on copy received from London); unit identified as No.213 Squadron:


Commandant d'unité de grand valour, ayant déjà personnellement abattu sept appareils ennemies et coopéré à la destruction de sept autres. Au cours de l'offensive allié dans les Flandres, a conduit avec une rare énérgie et un rare talent, son unité, qui a abattu deux avions ennemis, et un troisième hors de controle.


MacKAY, Captain George Chisholm - Chevalier, Legion of Honour (France) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919.


The following entry appears in the University of Toronto Roll of Service 1914-1918:

Mackay, George Chisholm; Medicine 1924, R. Coll. Dental Surg. 1924.

U. of T. O/S. Tr. Coy., Pte., May 1916; R.N.A.S., Lieut.; France, Sept. 1917; Capt., Aug. 1918; Nieuport-Ypres sec; Wounded Sept. 12, 1918; D.F.C; Belgian Ordre de Leopold; Croix de Guerre avec Palme; Despatches.

He died in his home, 42 Primrose Avenue, Mimico on May 12, 1965 and is buried in Park Lawn Cemetery.

W. M. Mackay

R. W. Maher

W. Mason

T. J. McAllister

According to his attestation papers dated September 25, 1915 at Toronto, Thomas James McAllister was born on July 7, 1879 at Corkstown, Tyrone, Ireland.  He listed his wife, Jane McAllister, Manchester Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He listed his occupation as a butcher and indicated that he had 8 months of previous military experience with the militia.  He was 36 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches in height.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.  He was a member of the 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion.

In the 1921 Toronto City directory he is listed as a fruit dealer living on the south side of Hay Avenue, Mimico.

P. McGlynn

According to his attestation papers dated January 21, 1916 at Mimico, Peter McGlynn of Mimico was born on March 13, 1891 in Lancs, England.  He listed his father, Mr. John Thos. McGlynn of 26 Hillside Avenue, Darwen, Lancs, England as his next of kin.  He indicated that he was a brassworker and that he had no previous military experience.  He was 24 years and 10 months of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches tall.  He had brown eyes and hair and a dark complexion.  He was Roman Catholic. 

He was posted to the 127th York Rangers Overseas Battalion.

Corporal R. McGregor - 192291

I think this might be Robert McGregor.  According to his attestation papers dated August 13, 1915 at Toronto, Robert McGregor was born on September 19, 1892 at Campbeltown, Argyleshire, Scotland.  He listed his father Peter McGregor, Campbeltown, Argyleshire, Scotland as his next of kin.  He was single, a grocery clerk and had no previous military experience.  He as 23 years and 11 months of age and stood 5 feet 7 inches in height.  He had brown eyes and hair and a ruddy complexion.  He was a Presbyterian. 


He was a member of the 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment), when he was killed on October 12, 1918.  According to the CEF burial register he died of wounds while with his platoon taking part in an advance north west of Iwuy.  He was wounded in the right leg and right side by enemy shrapnel.  He received immediate attention and was afterwards taken to No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station where he succumbed.  He is buried in the Bucquoy Road British Cemetery in France.  He is listed as the son of Peter and Isabella McGregor, of Mill St., Dalaruan, Campbeltown, Argyllshire.  

W. McKinnon

Private J. McKinstry - 767062

Photo of James George McKinstry

courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

According to his attestation papers dated December 11, 1915 at Toronto, James George McKinstry of Mimico, was born on December 4, 1884 in Bradford, Ontario.  He listed his wife, Marjory McKinstry of Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was a tinsmith.  He indicated that he was a member of an active militia unit and that he had 8 years previous military experience with 10th R.G. Corps.  He was 31 years of age and stood 5 feet 6 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.  He had a scar on his left and right shins and his left hand. 

According to the 1914 Toronto City directory he lived on the east side of Elizabeth Street, Mimico. 

He was a corporal in the Canadian Pioneers, 123rd Battalion when he was killed on October 21, 1917.  According to the CEF burial register he was "killed in action while with his Platoon passing through Ypres, and returning from duty with a working party in the front line trenches, he was stuck by an enemy high velocity shell and instantly killed".  He is buried in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.

Tombstone of James George McKinstry

courtesy of Gary Nelson as viewed on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Private C. McRae - 770235

According to his attestation papers dated January 31, 1916 at Toronto, Clifford Edward McRae of 45 Pembroke Street, Toronto, was born on May 5, 1893 in Detroit Michigan to "British Parents".  He listed his mother Bella McRae, Southampton Street (present day Cavell Avenue) , Mimico as his next of kin.  He listed his occupation as colour mixer and indicated that he had no previous military experience.  He was 22 years and 7 months of age and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was a Methodist.  He had a mole on his neck.

He was a member of the Central Ontario Regiment, 75th Battalion when he was killed on June 8, 1917 in an attack west of Avion.  He is buried in the Canadian Cemetery No 2, Neuville-St. Vaast, France.

J. McRae

C. W. Miller

J. Milne

F. Mitchell

According to his attestation papers dated March 7, 1916 at New Toronto, Frederick Mitchell of Church Street (present day Royal York Road), Mimico was born on November 12, 1893 in Toronto.  He listed his father, Harry D. Mitchell, 37 Mercer Street, Toronto as his next of kin.  He listed his occupation as teamster.  He indicated that he was an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 22 years of age and stood 5 feet 10 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.  He was a member of the Church of England.

In the 1914 Toronto City directory he was boarding at the home of Joseph Johnson on the west side of Louisa Street. 

W. Mitchell

Private E. C. Morgan - 109503

Courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial - source: The Varsity Magazine Supplement published by The Students Administrative Council, University of Toronto 1916.

This is Edward Clarence Morgan and the second "E" on the Mimico cenotaph is a mistake and should be a "C".  


According to his attestation papers dated May 26, 1915 at Niagara, Edward Clarence Morgan was born on December 11, 1894 in Cookstown, Canada.  He listed his father Rev. John W Morgan, Woodbridge, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single and a student and had one year of C.O.T.C.   He was 20 years of age and stood 5 feet 8 1/2 inches tall.  He had brown eyes and hair and a dark complexion.  He was a Methodist. 


He was a member of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles (2nd Central Ontario Regt.) when he was killed during an attack on Mount Sorrel, south east of Zillebeke on June 2, 1916.  He is listed as the son of Rev. John Morgan of Weston.  He is buried in the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Belgium.  The records in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Register indicate that his father Rev. Morgan was living in Mimico.


His brother John Herbert Morgan also enlisted and survived the war but died in England from influenza on December 1, 1918.

"University of Toronto / Roll of Service 1914-1918", 1921.

Source: The Roll of Honour of the Ontario Teachers Who Served in the Great War 1914-1918 (The Ryerson Press: Toronto, 1922).

all courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Acting Bombardier J. H. Morgan - 7817

I think that this is John Herbert Morgan, Edward Clarence Morgan's brother.


According to his attestation papers dated February 5, 1915 at Toronto, John Herbert Morgan was born on February 5, 1894 in Cookstown, Ontario.  He listed his mother Harriet Morgan, Woodbridge, Ontario as his next of kin.  He was single, a student and had no previous military experience.  He was 21 years of age and stood 5 feet 8 inches tall.  He had brown eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion.  He was Wesleyan.


He was a member of the 2nd Div. Ammunition Col., Canadian Field Artillery when he died on December 1, 1918 from pneumonia in the Military Hospital in Dover.  He is buried in the Dover (St. James) Cemetery, Dover, Kent, England.


On the War Graves Register his father Rev. Morgan is listed as living in Mimico.


His brother Edward Clarence Morgan also enlisted but was killed in the war.

W. E. Munson

According to his attestation papers dated November 12, 1914 at Toronto, William Edward Munson was born on June 17, 1889 in Carp, Ontario (Carleton).  He listed W.H. Munson of Carleton Place, Ontario has his next of kin.  He was a clerk and indicated that he belonged to an active militia but had no previous military experience.  He was 25 years and 5 months of age and stood 6 feet tall.  He had blue eyes, light hair and a fair complexion.  He was a Methodist. 

Additional notes on his papers are as follows:  Discharge Depot Quebec September 16/16.  Have examined William Edward Munson and found he has been wounded through provision portion of eminence of right hand in upper portion of 1st and 2nd meta corpal bones.  Both scars healed.  Meta corpal joint of thumb is fixed in semi adducted portions, some deformities back of hand from evertions about injured bone G.S.W. through inner upper third of right thigh no disability other wise + find him fit and in good health.   M.F. Coglan CAMC. 

J. Neil Jr.

Most likely the son of John and Sarah Neil of New Toronto.  According to the 1911 census their son John was born in September 1896.  However I cannot find attestation papers in the Canadian forces for him.

J. Neil Sr.

According to his attestation papers dated September 2, 1915 at Toronto, John Neil was born on March 8, 1876 in Paisley, Scotland.  He listed his wife, Sarah Neil, Fifth Street, New Toronto as his next of kin.  He indicated that he was a paper mill worker and that he had no previous military experience.  He was 39 years and 5 months of age and stood 5 feet 3 3/4 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a scar on the end of his index finger of his left hand and a scar on the first finger of his right hand.  He was a Presbyterian.


He is listed in the 1911 census with his wife Sarah with sons John and Arthur and daughters Isa and Sadie.  He emigrated to Canada with his family in 1904.

J. M. Niven

E. O'Donnell

J. J. O'Donnell

According to his attestation papers dated June 12, 1917 at Windsor, Ontario, James Joseph O'Donnell of 1263 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio, was born on November 13, 1888 in Mimico, Ontario.  He listed his father, Thomas O'Donnell of Harold Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He indicated that he was a railway switchman and that he had no previous military experience.  He was 28 years of age and stood 5 feet 7 inches tall.  He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.

According to the 1921 Toronto City directory he was living with his father Thomas O'Donnell on Harold Street, Mimico.

Jas. O'Donnell

According to his attestation papers dated January 4, 1917, James O'Donnell, of Station Road, Mimico, was born on October 29, 1898 in Long Branch, Ontario.  He was a student and listed his mother, Catherine O'Donnell, Station Road, Mimico as his next of kin.  He indicated that he had no previous military experience.  He was 18 years and 2 months of age.  He stood 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall.  He had a mole over his right kidney and a small scar on his right breast.  He had brown eyes, brown hair and fresh complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.

According to the 1921 Toronto City directory he was a clerk living with his mother Catherine O'Donnell (widow Charles) on the west side of Station Road, Mimico.

John O'Donnell

According to his attestation papers dated August 25, 1915 at Toronto, John Patrick O'Donnell was born July 13, 1891 in Toronto, Ontario.  He listed his father Thos. O'Donnell, Mimico, Ontario as his next of kin.  He indicated that he was an Insurance Salesman by profession and that he had no previous military experience.  He was 24 years and 1 month of age and was 5 feet 5 3/4 inches tall.  He had grey eyes, brown hair a fair complexion.  He was Roman Catholic.

E. Ogden