Porter, William Alger

1903 Porter cropped — Sergeant Major WA Porter 1900

Sergeant-Major W. A. Porter joined the Regiment in or before 1889 and was promoted to Corporal 23 Sep 1891. He earned a three year good service badge in 1892 and was promoted to Sergeant in 1896. He is first listed as Sergeant-Major on the nominal role for annual camp in 1898-99. At the turn of the century he was in a photo of the Sergeants’ Mess and was listed as Mess President. He is last mentioned on the nominal roll for annual camp in 1903-04 as Sergeant Major.

His death, of a protracted illness, was reported in the Globe February 6 1941. He was said to have been a great sportsman; he was a heavyweight boxer and footballer in his youth and was Honourary President of the Balmy Beach Football Club at the time of his death.

Born: 1872, Toronto
Former Svc:
Religion: Anglican
Trade: Plumbing supply business
Date of attestation: 1889 (or before)

1903 Sgts'(c2) — Staff Sergeants and Sergeants 1903, Sergeant Major Porter right of centre (reclined)

Timeline of service:

1889 or before, joined regiment;
1891 15 Apr, Private Porter granted Corporal’s certificate;
1891 23 Sep, Private Porter promoted to Corporal;
1892 25 Jan, Corporal Porter granted Sergeant’s certificate;
1892 1 Nov, Corporal Porter awarded 3 year Good Service badge;
1896 29 May, promoted to Sergeant, Regimental Orders;
1897 22 Jan, 1 year good service badge, Regimental Orders;
1898-99, listed as Sergeant Major, Nominal Roll D Company Annual Drill;
1900, listed as Sergeant Major and President of the Mess Committee in photo of Sergeants’ Mess;
1902-03, listed as Sergeant Major, Nominal Roll Staff Sergeants Annual Drill;
1903-04, listed as Sergeant Major, Nominal Roll Staff Sergeants Annual Drill.