Canadian - WWI - 1914-15 Star to Canadian Physician - Boer War with Royal Canadian Regiment - MacDonald

1914-15 Star (Lieut. N. MacDonald. R.A.M.C.)

Nathaniel MacDonald was born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in 1877. Whilst a medical student, he volunteered for service in South Africa, joining the 2nd Special Service Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment at Halifax in March, 1900. He served in South Africa with the RCR until his discharge in December 1900. He then volunteered for additional service in South Africa, serving this time in the Canadian Mounted Rifles. For his service in South Africa, he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal.

Following the Boer War, MacDonald completed his medical degree and worked as a physician. During the First World War, he joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was seconded to the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served with the RAMC overseas for 2 years. He later joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force and saw further service in the CAMC. During his service with the RAMC he was Mentioned in Despatches.

He was married to Jessie Gilchrist who served as a Nursing Sister in the CEF during WWI.

MacDonald's Queen's South Africa Medal and WWI British War Medal sold on eBay in 2025.