William was born June 3rd, 1889 at New Blyth, Aberdeenshire, Scotland to John and Barbara Mair. Immigrating to Canada pre-war, he mobilized with the 48th Highlanders at Toronto on August 19th, 1915. At this time, he was 26 years old, 5’9”, and weighed 179lbs. His occupation was noted as that of a teamster, and also that his marital status was single. This status changed on January 15th, 1916 when he married Hilda McIntosh in Toronto.
On September 2nd, 1915, William enlisted with the 92nd Bn at Niagara Camp as a piper in the battalion’s pipe band. William was promoted to L/Cpl on February 24th, 1916, and then Sergeant on June 9th. From June 20th-29th he sailed with the 92nd Bn aboard SS Empress of Britain from Halifax to Liverpool and was posted to East Sandling Camp on arrival.
On January 4th, 1917 he was posted to 5thRes Bn, East Sandling, followed by a posting later that year on October 28th, to the 15th Bn and proceeding to France. (Reverted to Pte on this posting.)
Taken on strength at CBD, Havre on November 1st, and then on November 15th, joined the 15th Bn with a draft of 4 officers and 90 other ranks at Fosse 10 and assigned to the pipe band.
On October 24th to November 11th, 1918, William was granted leave to the UK.
At war’s end, March 23/24, 1919, the 15th Bn sailed from Le Havre to Portland aboard the SS Lorina; and then by train to Bramshott on arrival. From April 29th to May 7th, the 15th Bn returned to Canada aboard SS Baltic from Liverpool to Halifax, demobilizing at Toronto, Ontario, on May 10th.
On May 7th, 1923, William became a US citizen in Detroit, MI, and in April 27th, 1942 registered for US Army Draft at Detroit. He subsequently passed away in January 1966 as a Detroit resident.
For his service, William was awarded the British War medal and Victory medal.
NOK: Mrs H. Mair (W) 18 Earl Grey Rd., Toronto, ON
