763 Sergeant Frank Tildesley Mabson MM.Canadian Army McGill University Battalion, 2nd Company Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry from:Toronto, Canada Frank Tildesley Mabson was a student of Victoria College in the University of Toronto when he enlisted in the McGill University Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Montreal. He joined the British Expeditionary Force in France in September 1915 being identified as McG186 2nd Company PPCLI. Frank kept a diary from September 28th 1915 to June 11th 1916. As a sergeant he was awarded a military medal for his bravery during the action at Vimy Ridge in 1917. "During the action of VIMY RIDGE on 9th - 10th April, this N.C.O. displayed gallant conduct and splendid leadership of his Platoon throughout the advance and consolidation. He showed a splendid example by his indefatigable efforts. He was severely wounded towards the close of the first day. Too much cannot be said of his gallant actions. He has been with the Battalion for the past two years and the nature of his wounds will, in all probability, prevent his return." (Lon!
don Gazette no. 30188 dated 18th July 1917) The action for which he was recommended for the Military Medal was his attack on a machine-gun emplacement with the aid of Private Sherwood. Frank attacked the position, captured the crew and destroyed the emplacement. Due to his wounds (the loss of sight in one eye) he was sent down the line and evacuated back to the UK. Despite this loss of vision he drove until his death in 1981 at the age of 91. One of his few regrets was that he did not continue keeping his diary after June 1916.
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