MILITARY HISTORY

Gunner Hilliard Millar — 345207 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War I)

On March 18, 1918, Hilliard Millar completed the Particulars Of Recruit, Drafted Under Military Service Act, 1917 (Letter and Service No. P.C. 969776) Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He was 23 years, 3 months and 6 days old, when as a single man he enlisted in Ottawa, Ontario for the duration of the War plus 6 months. Hilliard was living at 380 Gilmour St., Ottawa; he was born in Lakefield, Ontario and gave his birth-date as December 14, 1894. Hilliard indicated “he had never served with a Militia Force nor any other Military Force”. There is nothing in his Records to indicate where he was educated or to what level. As far as employment is concerned, he lists Bank Clerk. Hilliard had a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair; he was 5′ 8½” tall, with a 36” chest (expanded); his weight was not given. His next-of-kin was listed as his mother, Mrs. Janet C. Millar of Lakefield; his father is Mr. David Millar. Hilliard’s medical examination was done March 18, 1918 and he was deemed fit for Overseas duty with the Canadian Army. Hilliard signed the Oath and Certificate March 18, 1918, Category A.11 at Ottawa. Hilliard Millar was taken-on-strength to the 74th Battery (Bty) Canadian Field Artillery (CFA) CEF as a Gunner (Gnr) with Regimental Number 345207. He was insured with Manufacture’s Life and had arranged for Premium payments. Gnr Millar was taken-on-strength with the 10th Draft, 72nd Battery (Bty) Reconnaissance Battalion (Recce Bn) in Kingston, Ontario.

Gnr Millar embarked from Halifax, Nova Scotia for England on April 17, 1918 aboard the SS Telea (the SS Tela was found). He disembarked at Liverpool, England on April 28, 1918 with the 72nd Bty, Recce Bn CFA CEF and was taken-on-strength from Canada (Active) to the Reserve Brigade* (Res Bde) CFA at Witley, England. During the next two months and 14 days Gnr Millar was placed On-Command to Frensham Pond and underwent Basic and Advanced Training. On July 12, 1918 he was taken Off-Command from Frensham Pond and returned to the Res Bde CFA at Witley. *Brigade – unit of approximately 4,000 men commanded by a brigadier-general. August 1, 1918 Gnr Millar made a $20.00 monthly Pay Assignment to his father David Millar of Lakefield.

On February 18, 1919 Gnr Millar was admitted to No 12 Canadian General Hospital at Bramshott, England diagnosed with Appendicitis. After about one month it was decided that an operation was necessary and he was transferred to the Military Convalescent Hospital at Epsom, England on March 15, 1919 to have the surgery which was done on March 17, 1919. March 18, 1919 Gnr Millar was struck-off-strength from the Recce Bn to the Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Depot (CARD). On May 28, 1919 Gnr Millar was discharged from the Military Convalescent Hospital at Epsom.

When Gnr Millar was discharged from the Military Convalescent Hospital at Epsom on May 28, 1919 he was struck-off-strength to the M Wing, Casualty Clearing Centre (CCC). On May 31, 1919 he was taken-on-strength to M Wing CCC pending return to Corps (duty).

On July 2, 1919 Gnr Millar was struck-off-strength from M Wing CCC and embarked from Southampton: he was then taken-on-strength to Military District (MD) No 3 at Kingston. Gnr Millar disembarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 8, 1919. Gunner Hilliard Millar was discharged from the Canadian Army on July 11, 1919.

Gunner Hilliard Millar served with the Canadian Army a total of 1 year, 3 month and 23 days: 1 month and 3 days in Canada; 1 year and 2 months in the UK and 20 days travel time.

Based on his Military Service Records, Gunner Hilliard Millar was not eligible to be awarded any medals, awards but he was awarded War Service Badge Class “C”

Note: Gunner Hilliard Millar’s Military Records are not complete and the some of the existing text is difficult to read and comprehend. Due to this a number of standard items are not available.

An excerpt from an article in Maclean’s magazine by Barbara Ameil, September 1996:

The Military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your Nation. What could be more honorable?

PERSONAL HISTORY

HILLIARD MILLAR

Hilliard Millar was born in Smith Township on December 14, 1894, son of David Millar and Janet Catherine Tucker. He was raised on the family farm and attended the rural schools. After his schooling, Hilliard was working as a Bank Clerk in Ottawa, Ontario. At the time of his enlistment in World War I in 1918, Hilliard was living and working in Ottawa.

Upon his return from the war, Hilliard married Hazel Gladys Scott in the Anglican Church in Port Hope, Ontario on November 23, 1921. Hazel Scott was born on April 19, 1896, daughter of William Henry Scott and Sarah Anne Morton of Port Hope, Ontario.

Hilliard Millar was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and is included on a Memorial Plaque that hung in Knox Presbyterian Church which remembers with honour their members who served in the Armed Forces during World War I.  This plaque was later moved to the Sanctuary of Lakefield United Church on Regent Street in 1932 after the two churches merged to form Lakefield United Church.

FAMILY HISTORY OF HILLIARD MILLAR OF SMITH TOWNSHIP

Hilliard Millar’s maternal great grandparents were William Hill and Ann Tomlinson.

Hilliard Millar’s paternal grandparents were Andrew and Jessie Millar.
Hilliard Millar’s maternal grandparents were Agnes “Annie” Hill born in 1826 and William Tucker born in 1828. William died in 1896 and Annie died in 1899; both are buried in the Apsley Cemetery.

Hilliard Millar’s parents were David Millar born on February 28, 1856 and Janet Catherine Tucker born in 1857. They married in Anstruther Township, Peterborough County on May 6, 1884 and farmed in Smith Township. There they had a family of nine children William Oliver, David Bruce, Janet Annis, Zachariah, Hilliard, Victor, Archibald, Annie and Ethel Irene Millar. David Millar died June 30, 1930 and Janet passed away on June 28, 1943; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.

Hilliard’s father David Millar was first married to Mary Grace Pearce, daughter of James R. Pearce and Mary Ann Sparks. They had a son Melville born on March 31, 1883 and sadly Mary Grace died April 22, 1883 and is buried in Lakefield Cemetery. David remarried Janet Catherine Tucker the following year and she raised baby Melville as her own.