Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Canadian Memorial Cross, E.II.R. (Capt R. G. McBride) extremely fine £140-£180

Captain Ronald G. McBride, C.D., known as “Buck”, joined the Forces as a member of the R.C.A.F. in October 1954. He was serving with 444 Squadron in Lahr, West Germany when he was sent, along with 700 members of the Canadian Forces, to Fruili, Italy, to assist in earthquake relief operations. He lost his life, while flying his helicopter in support of these operations, on 16 May 1976.

Captain McBride was awarded one of Italy’s highest honours, the Medal of Valour. With support from Senator Peter Bosa and the National Congress of Italian Canadians, a memorial carving dedicated to his memory was presented to the Government of Canada, on behalf of the Italian Government, by the Honourable Gioacchino Francescutti, Minister of Industry for the Region of Fruili, in October 1985. The carving was accepted by Lieutenant-General D. M. McNaughton, CMM, CD, Commander Air Command and is on permanent display in the Officers’ Mess at Canadian Forces Base Toronto.

Sold with RCAF embroidered wing, Squadron badge, official programme for ‘Dedication of the Captain Ronald G. McBride, CD, Quarters 3 April 1987’ and various research.