Son of George William and Florence Evelyn Calder, of Gatooma, Southern Rhodesia. Attended Glenwood Technical High School, Durban. Recommended for the DCM for his action as runner at Bernafay Wood, 11th-12th July 1916. Awarded the Military Medal. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in August 1916. He was named Kekewich because he was the first baby born at the Seige of Kimberly in South Africa in the Boer War. The general in charge was General Kekewich.
LG 5 January 1917 pg. 350 - "Carried despatches in Bernafay Wood between his Company Commander and Battalion Headquarters. He continued at this work under heavy shell fire for two days and nights when all other orderlies at similar work at this part of the line had been killed or wounded. His disregard for his own safety was most marked, and his example a great incentive to others"