2 medals in a shadow box with glass cover and tartan interior; North West Canada Medal (CAPt W.C. MACDONALD Q.O.R.); and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration, Victoria (LIEUT. COLONEL W.C. MACDONALD 48th. HIGHLANDERS). Naming is engraved on the NWCM and impressed on the CAFOD, the latter maker marked “SG” (Sebastian Garrard), hallmarked with the British lion, a leopard’s head (made in London) and date marked “f” (1901). Court-mounted with two prongs on the reverse, replacement ribbons, plated.
The North West Canada 1885 medal was awarded while Macdonald was a Captain with the Queen’s Own Rifles.
An original officer, William Macdonald was appointed Major upon joining from the Queen’s Own Rifles. He was Adjutant of Canada’s Bisley Rifle team in 1892 and a shooting member in 1896. He became the Regiment’s third Commanding Officer serving in that role from 1900 to 1906. Macdonald subsequently commanded the 16th (Toronto) Infantry Brigade in 1908 and during the First World War the 1st Canadian Infantry Training Brigade at Exhibition Camp in Toronto. On Jan. 21 1917, while seeing off Canadian Army Service Corps soldiers Brig. Macdonald was killed at Union Station by a reversing train engine.
His son, Captain Frederick William (Wyld) Macdonald, MC, VD followed his father’s footsteps, joining the 48th in 1912 at age 21. He went overseas with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders) in 1914 and was captured at 2nd Ypres on 22 April 1915 during the first chlorine gas attack of the war. He was awarded the Military Cross. Upon repatriation to Toronto he rejoined the 48th Highlanders. When the Second World War broke out he volunteered again to serve overseas.
Father and son, just one example of generations who served in the 48th Highlanders, a family regiment in both generations and in comradeship.