C J W McMichael (1899 – 1918)

Colin John Wyld McMichael was baptized at St Leonard’s, Bridgnorth, on 4th January, 1899. He was the son of Colin McMichael, grocer and stationer, and his wife, Annie May. The family lived in the High Street.

Colin’s army record shows that he was born on the 3rd January, 1899. He signed up on the 15th December, 1916, just before his 18th birthday. At that time he was living in Shipston-on-Stour where he worked as a bank clerk. He was posted to the 14th (London Scottish) Battalion London Regiment.

Colin was injured by a mustard gas shell on 23rd August, 1918 while his division was engaged in the Battle of Albert (21-23 August, 1918). He was repatriated but died in Bevan Hospital, Sandgate, Kent, on 6th September. He is buried in Bridgnorth Cemetery.

Private McMichael, 514997, was awarded the Victory and British medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 7th September, 1918 and his funeral was reported on the 14th.

WOUNDED
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 31st August, 1918]
Mr. and Mrs. Colin McMichael, High Street, Bridgnorth, have been officially informed that their son, Pte. C. J. W. McMichael, of the London Scottish, has been admitted into the Bevan Military Hospital, Sandgate, Kent, suffering from severe gas-shell burns.

[BMDs] DIED
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 7th September, 1918]
McMichael. – On the 6th inst., at Bevan Military Hospital, Sandgate, Kent, from gas-shell burns received in action on August 23rd, Colin John Wyld, the dearly loved son of Colin and May McMichael, aged 19 years.