his family name is associated with molson bank, molson brewery, and various business interests including early railroads and shipping. he was the only son of dr. william alexander molson and esther shepherd. during world war i, he joined the canadian expeditionary force, spending some months in the 20th reserve battalion in england before being posted to the 42nd battalion (royal highlanders of canada) in france. he achieved the rank of captain, and was awarded the military cross for gallantry in action on 26 august 1918 during the battle of arras. he was one of thirty-four molson family members to serve in world war i: five were killed and thirteen wounded.