George (“Geordie”) Christie Henderson was born in Dundee, Scotland on November 3rd, 1878. He immigrated to Canada as a stone cutter and lived with his wife, Bella (Isabella) Henderson at 939 Colbrook Ave, Montreal, Quebec. There is unconfirmed discussion on whether he served with the Black Watch during the Boer War. If so, did he meet P/M Keith at that time, which led to his later transfer to the 15th Battalion?
He signed his attestation papers on April 16, 1915 at Kingston, Ontario originally with the 21st Battalion. At 36 years and 5 months, George stood tall at 5’ 0-2’ with grey eyes and grey streaks in his hair. On his left forearm a heart tattoo with indistinct marks is noted.
On May 6, 1915, he sailed with the 21st Battalion aboard SS Metagama from Montreal to Devonport. The battalion was posted to West Sandling Camp on arrival. George was attached to the West Sandling Camp HQ staff from June 03 to August 28, 1915.
Later that year the 21st Battalion proceeded to France on September 14, 1915. George was granted leave to England from May 28 to June 08, 1916.
George was a passionate piper. From the 21st Battalion newsletter “Communique” in 1915:
“And getting back to the Left Half Battalion in the Artillery Park (Current address, 20 Gore St., Kingston ON) cereal building there were Geordie Henderson and Scotty Nelson of the pipe band never to be forgotten for later valiant deeds, but in the top floor of the cereal building generally greeted with a scowling sufferance. For they never had enough of the pipes, and spent most of their time marching and countermarching, alongside our bunks kilts swaying and pipes squealing out the songs of Scotland.”
George transferred to the 15th Battalion at Scottish Lines, near Ypres on August 10, 1916. Comparing a 21st Battalion Pipe Band photo with that of the 15th Battalion Pipe Band, George can easily be identified by his height!
Attached for training to the 3rd Infantry Brigade School from July 18 to August 21, 1917 and again from September 05-23, 1917. George was granted leave to England from October 07-18, 1917.
On July 06, 1918 the 15th Battalion Band played at the 3rd Infantry Brigade Highland Gathering at Tinques. Following that, the band was attached to the 1st Divisional Wing, CCRC while on tour from July 08-26, 1918. He was granted another leave to England from October 21 to November 07, 1918.
On March 16, 1919 the 15th Battalion proceeded to England, attached to the CCC Bramshott on March 24, pending return to Canada. George returned to Canada with the 15th Battalion aboard the SS Baltic, April 29 to May 07, 1919 and was discharged at Montreal on May 9, 1919.
George passed away at 57 years old on July 1, 1936 at Montreal and is buried at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 701 Donegani, Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
NOK: Mrs B. Henderson (W) 847 Verdun Ave., Montreal, PQ
