William Gerald Radford (b. 1882)

William G. Radford was born in Quebec. He was active in the Dawson Civic League and ran in the 1915 election. He had no party affiliations, declaring party politics was useless in the Yukon. He pledged to sit as a businessman, and he was elected to the Yukon Council representing South Dawson.¹⁾

When Radford enlisted to serve in the First World War in September 1916 he declared himself a real estate agent and an accountant.²⁾ He was recruited by Captain George Black.³⁾ Radford applied to have his mining claims on Eldorado held without cancellation while he was away.⁴⁾ Returned soldier W. G. Radford (2nd CM.M.G. Bde.) reported to Ottawa for instruction and then received the appointment of assistant Director for the Yukon as a government representative administering the benefits of the Department in the Yukon. He went to Dawson and organized “L” Unit with headquarters there. Only a small staff was required as there was only a comparatively small number of returned men. Radford acted as Assistant Director, District Vocational Officer and Unit Service Officer. Gustave Vaulkaire, who had served with the 102nd Battalion, was appointed general office assistant. Dr. W.W. Chipman who had served with the C.A.M.C. was appointed Unit Medical Director by Ottawa ad also acted as Medical Representative for Dawson and vicinity. He maintained his own office and paid his own expenses. These three returned soldiers formed the staff of the unit. Dr. W.B. Clark was appointed Medical Representative at Whitehorse.⁵⁾