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Ralph Stewart MacPherson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ralph Stewart MacPherson (March 2, 1896 - September 1, 1964) was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving from 1915 to 1919 in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)[1] as a Lieutenant.[2] MacPherson was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts in the Battle of Mons[3] during World War I.[4]

Early life

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Ralph MacPherson was born March 2, 1896 in Springhill, Nova Scotia.[5] He was the son of Andrew Joseph MacPherson (formerly McPherson) and Jessie Isabel Yelland (née Stewart).[6] Following his birth, his parents separated and Ralph moved to Vancouver, British Columbia with his mother and two older sisters, Mary and Jean.[7]

Military service

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MacPherson joined the Canadian Armed Forces on March 5, 1915, three days after this 19th birthday.[5] During his military service, MacPherson participated in the 1918 Battle of Mons. On April 2, 1919 MacPherson was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts during World War I.[4]

Post-military life

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Following his military service, MacPherson worked at British Columbia Telephone Company for 40 years,[8] including serving as New Westminster District Commercial Manager from 1943 until his retirement in 1961.[9] During his career, MacPherson also served as President of the New Westminster Board of Trade, being elected in 1939.[10]

In 1942 MacPherson was elected commander of the local New Westminster unit of the British Columbia Militia Rangers.[11]

On September 1, 1964, MacPherson died of an apparent heart attack while driving this car along Cunningham Street in New Westminster.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "First World War « PPCLI". Archived from the original on 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  2. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2023-09-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "Land Battles - Mons". Canada and the First World War. Archived from the original on 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  4. ^ a b Canada, Library and Archives (May 29, 2013). "Item". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Canada, Library and Archives (June 29, 2016). "Personnel Record FWW Item". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  6. ^ Archives, Nova Scotia (April 20, 2020). "Nova Scotia Archives - Nova Scotia Births, Marriages, and Deaths". Nova Scotia Archives. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  7. ^ "Join Ancestry®". www.ancestry.ca. Archived from the original on 2024-02-02. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  8. ^ a b "Retired N.W. Businessman Dies in Car". The Vancouver Sun. September 2, 1964. p. 52. Archived from the original on February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Telephone manager retiring". The Province. March 28, 1961. p. 22. Archived from the original on February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Ralph MacPherson Heads Trade Board". The Province. March 10, 1939. p. 11. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Ralph MacPherson Heads Ranger Unit". The Province. August 7, 1942. p. 13. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via newspapers.com.