B73767 Pte McDonald, Albert Edwards (nickname Red) enlisted with the 2nd Battalion 48th Highlanders in Toronto on 10 January 1940. He gave his address as 27 Mould Street, Toronto and his next of kin as his mother. at 490 Indian Grove, Toronto. He was sent for training to the 48th Highlanders of Canada depot – 2 Cdn Infantry (rifle) Training Centre in Orillia. He completed training and was stuck off strength of the Training Centre and the 48th Depot on 14 July 1940 “on proceeding overseas to the 48th Highlanders as reinforcement”. In the UK he was assigned to 1CIDRU (1 Cdn Division Infantry Reinforcement Unit) and joined the 1st Bn, 48th Highlanders on 3 January 1942. The battalion was engaged in coastal defence and further training at the time. Pte McDonald was in HQ Company at the time. He, and the entire battalion were charged 1 shilling each for barrack damages in July, a nominal amount versus the original charge as the battalion proved that the barrack damage had existed when the battalion came to it. During his time in the UK to date he appears to have been back and forth from 1CIDRU and the battalion.
On 24 Dec 1942 he was transferred from 1CIDRU, where he had been under close arrest from 12 November to 4 January 1943 , to the battalion for “disciplinary action” and on 4 January 1943 was found guilty of extended AWOL from 9 October to 12 November 1942. He was sentenced to 60 days detention and a total 147 days forfeiture of pay. He was returned to 1CIDRU on 7 January. Interestingly, he and another Highlander escaped on 2 January but they were apprehended the same day.
He is not in our records after 7 January 1943. His service records will be required to complete his service.
NOK: Mother – Mrs. A. E. McDonald