Duncan McDonell (1887-1915)
Duncan James McDonell was born on 29 December 1887 in North Bay, Ontario, to Charles Richard McDonell and Bridget Murphy.
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1891 census |
1901 census |
1911 census |
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|
Cambridge ON |
Ottawa ON |
Ottawa ON |
|
Charles |
39, ? merchant |
48, Carpenter |
58, Carpenter |
|
Bridget |
35 |
46 |
52 |
|
Edward |
11 |
20, ? fitter |
- |
|
May |
9 |
19, Dressmaker |
29, Dressmaker |
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Patrick |
7 |
17, ? |
- |
|
Duncan |
3 |
13 |
[Unknown] |
|
Lillian |
- |
9 |
19, Bookkeeper |
Duncan enlisted very early in the war (September 1914). On his attestation form, he gave his occupation as “Guide” and said that he’d previously served in the Mexican Force.
He sent postcards to his family:
19 Sep 1914
“Dear Father,
Well Dad we are leaving on the ________ and all are glad. Give my regards to all and tell May I lost her address. I hope this finds all well and kiss mother for me. I will send a good picture from England. Well Dad I must say goodbye for now.
Hoping to see all again and remain as ever your son Duncan.
Same address.”
25 Sep 1914
“Dear Father,
We leave here tomorrow to go aboard transport at Quebec and I am glad. Everybody is. It is raining here and everything is soaking wet. How is mother. If she gets it into her head to try and worry over me, tell her to forget it for a fellow has an even chance. Well Dad, the next time you hear from me it will be from across the Pond. Give my love to all. I will try and write often.
From your loving son Duncan.
Same address as before only care of _____ service.”
Photo: Susan Merle Salter via Ancestry
Duncan was killed in action in France on 7 March 1915, aged 28.