Sergeant William John Young, DCM, 60th Battalion VCR (The Canadian Grenadier Guards) pre – WWI

FALL IN THE GUARDS!

A TRIBUTE TO THE WWI SOLDIERS OF CANADA’S 1ST REGIMENT, THE CANADIAN GRENADIER GUARDS

CGG Did you Know? Sgt. William John Young, DCM
One of CGG’s Thirty-Four (34) WWI era Distinguished Conduct Medal Winners

Photo of Deborah Martin, grandniece of World War I veteran William John Young from Raymond, Alberta, Canada
Source: Remembrance Day Article, news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – 2021

For those following my online social media series, “CGG Did You Know?”, you’re already aware of my comprehensive project to research every WW1 CGG soldier, including those who were originally part of CGG pre-1914 but later joined other units. During this exploration, I’ve unearthed numerous fascinating discoveries and connections linked to CGG. One of the most gratifying experiences is encountering descendants of these veterans who are eager and excited to share their links with The Regiment. Often, these families are unaware that their ancestor served with CGG and are delighted to
uncover more about what had been previously hidden aspect of their relative’s life. This was exactly what happened with Sgt. William John Young DCM and his family.

Sergeant John William young, DCM – with incorrect headstone – Findagrave.com

Sergeant W.J. Young, born in Dublin, Ireland in 1887, served with the 1st Regiment of the Canadian Grenadier Guards until 1915 when he volunteered to be part of CGGs contingent with the 60th Battalion Victoria Rifles of Canada. In September 1916, he became one of 34 CGG Members to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal when he was in command of a platoon and refused to give up his post although wounded in the back during three days of intense enemy bombardment. Following the disbandment of the 60th Battalion in early 1917, Sgt. Young was set to join the 87th Battalion (CGG) but was again severely wounded when he was buried alive by a high-explosive gas shell before he could report for duty. He returned to Canada in poor health and, tragically, died in 1951 at the age of 64 while living in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. His current headstone mistakenly lists him as a member of the 15th Battalion CEF. Thankfully, his grandniece brought his story to light in 2021. After reaching out to the journalist who wrote the article, I was able to correspond with Mrs. Martin.

She shared that while Sgt. William John Young, DCM was alive, he would never talk about his wartime experiences. Mrs. Martin added that despite having received the second highest award for valour that a Private could receive in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) next to the Victoria Cross, “the one possession from his years in the CEF he treasured most was a photo of him taken around the time he was a Private with The Canadian Grenadier Guards.”

The story above highlights an important way that the CGG Museum enhances The Regiment’s current operational priorities. By uncovering and showcasing meaningful and intriguing facts and narratives about the lives and experiences of CGG soldiers such a Sgt. W.J. Young, DCM, we can strengthen CGG’s legacy as a truly distinctive Canadian Primary Militia Reserve Unit. The message conveyed should always be clear. Regardless of the peacetime era or conflict, just as they were proud to have been a part of CGG, our Veterans and War Heroes should always remain a vital part of our identity as The Canadian Grenadier Guards.

Article by 

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

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