Canadian Militia 1900 Cabinet Photo - 10 year old Bugler of the 40th Northumberland Regiment (Ontario)

A super large cabinet original photographic image mounted on card of a young boy in military uniform. Annotated on reverse 'Lt (sic) Garritt Birdsall (aged 10 1/2 Years (he looks old for his age!) Bugler for No 5 Co 40th Regiment 1900'. The photographer's details are given on the front as 'Richmond' Campbellford, Ont. Minor corner wear to backng but the image itself is in very good condition.

I can find no attestation papers for him in 1914, by which time he would have been 24/25 in age. The 'Lt' in front of his name suggests he was later an officer. Any information welcome.

The Midland Regiment originated in Cobourg, Ontario on 5 October 1866, when the '40th "Northumberland Battalion of Infantry"' was authorized to be formed. It was redesignated: '40th Northumberland Regiment' on 8 May 1900; 'The Northumberland (Ontario) Regiment' on 12 March 1920; and 'The Northumberland Regiment' on 15 May 1924. On 15 December 1936, it was amalgamated with 'The Durham Regiment' and redesignated 'The Midland Regiment (Northumberland and Durham)'. It was redesignated: '2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Midland Regiment (Northumberland and Durham)' on 7 November 1940; 'The Midland Regiment (Northumberland and Durham)' on 1 June 1945; and 'The Midland Regiment' on 1 April 1946. On 1 September 1954, it was amalgamated with the '9th Anti-Tank Regiment (Self Propelled), RCA', '34th Anti-Tank Battery (Self Propelled), RCA' and 'The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment'.

Comm SiSa

Code: 63521