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Elder, William Gardiner, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, formerly of Athelstane, Quebec. Occupation: law student. Medals/Honours: Military Medal (MM). Military Service: Private [later Lieutenant in the Canadian Expeditionary Force], M.M., Reg. No. 475453, 4th University Co., PPCLI, Attestation Papers. Diary Reference: “[W.G.] Elder, [A.R.] Oldford, [W.] Lovegrove and myself detailed on one stretcher … Poor Elder had worked like a Trojan the day before digging out men buried by shells,”2:3 Jun ’16; “Elder, who was with me at the head of the stretcher said, ‘I guess this is the end. We can never get out of here. Let’s shake hands’,” 2:4 Jun ’16; “Elder and I managed to stagger down to the dugouts under the ramparts,” 3:4 Jun ’16.
Additional Biographical Information
Pte. William Gardiner Elder, a 22-year-old law student, enlisted with the 3rd University Company at Saskatoon on 12 October 1915. According to Hodder-Williams, he was wounded on 10 April 1917 and was struck off strength on 15 April 1917. He received the Military Medal shortly after the Battle of Vimy Ridge. After he recovered from his wounds, he served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and rose to the rank of lieutenant.