Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. pair awarded to Private J. Bucheven, 78th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was wounded and taken Prisoner of War on the Western Front on 11 August 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (652250 Pte. J. Bucheven. 78/Can: Inf:); British War Medal (652250 Pte. J. Bucheven. 78-Can. Inf.) mounted for display with an erased Victory Medal, together with Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R. (652250 Pte. J. Bochoven) note spelling of name, this with enclosure card and good length of original silk ribbon, extremely fine (4) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Medals to the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), C.E.F..

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D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1918; citation London Gazette 21 December 1918:

‘This man acted as stretcher-bearer during an attack on a village, and worked unceasingly in the open under heavy fire. During an enemy counter attack a few days later he continued attending to the wounded, although he himself was also wounded, until he was taken prisoner. He, however, succeeded in escaping and got back to the lines. His energy and untiring devotion to his duty were worthy of the highest praise.’

John Bucheven was born in Rotterdam, Holland, and previously served for seven years in the East Indies with the Dutch army. He was reported wounded and missing on 11 August 1918, and was later confirmed as having been taken Prisoner of War, being held captive at Dulman, Westphalia. He was discharged medically unfit for further service on 6 May 1919, and died on 4 August 1929, his death attributed to his wounds, hence the grant of the Memorial Cross.