Barclay, William

William Barclay was born on July 14, 1881 in Govan, Scotland to parents William and Jane Barclay. As a young man, he immigrated to Canada and lived for a time in Lincoln, Ontario where he met and married his wife Jessie McPherson Barclay. The couple moved westward and settled in Lethbridge, Alberta where William found employment as a blacksmith in the CPR roundhouse. On May 17, 1915, William Barclay enlisted with the 13th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Private Barclay arrived in England on May 5, 1916 and shortly after was transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment. He embarked for France on August 28, 1916 with his unit and was initially assigned to entrenching duties. Private Barclay had been in France for only two months, when on October 8, 1916 he was reported as missing in action. Private Barclay was presumed dead, but his status was not confirmed until March 1, 1921 when his remains were finally recovered. He was laid to rest at Adanac Military Cemetery. William Barclay was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Jessie received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband