Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 139 continued ... Heroes of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Alexander and Susan Theresa (Archibald) Anderson resided on and worked their farm in Big Baddeck, Victoria County in Cape Breton N.S. during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s. They had two sons and a daughter – all of whom volunteered and served during World War 1. Only 2 would return home safely. Their stories, and the stories of many other heroes from Cape Breton, and other locations, who served Canada in Highland Regiments during the last 2 wars, are stories that you should hear – and should remember. Captain James Archibald (Archie) Anderson WW I James Archibald Anderson was born in Big Baddeck, Victoria County, NS, on January 29, 1894. He was more commonly known as Archie. He was the son of Alexander and Susan Theresa (Archibald) Anderson. He grew up in the Baddeck area and took up farming. He was active in the local militia, serving two years in the 94th Victoria Regiment ‘Argyll Highlanders’, the precursor to the Cape Breton Highlanders. After the outbreak of WW I, Archie enlisted as a private in the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders). He joined the unit at Aldershot, NS, on October 7, 1916. He enlisted just in time to be with the battalion when it sailed for England on the SS Olympic a few days later. He was with the 85th Battalion when they landed in France in February, 1917. In June, 1917, James was sent back to England where he was attached to the 17th Reserve Battalion for training and received his commission as an officer. He rejoined the 85th Battalion in France in November, 1917 with the rank of lieutenant. On September 29, 1918, the 85th Battalion was involved in offensive operations near Bourlon Wood in front of Cambrai. Archie was an acting captain in “D” Company. When his company was ordered to quickly form an outpost line covering an important village, he personally reconnoitred the position, and, one by one, rushed his posts out to advantageous positions over ground which was kept under a constant sweep of enemy machine gun fire. Archie was wounded in this action but carried on until his line was established. For his actions during this fighting, he was awarded a Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After recuperating from his wounds, Archie rejoined the battalion the following month. After the war ended, Archie spent much of the summer of 1919 in hospital in England with an infection, and missed returning home with his battalion. He returned to Canada in August and was demobilized on August 25, 1919. Archie married after the war but had no children. He passed away in 1964.
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