Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War M.B.E and Great War M.C. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel G. T. Cassels, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse engraved ‘Gordon Thomson Cassels Royal Canadian Horse Artillery’; 1914-15 Star (Lieut: G. T. Cassels. R. Can: H. Art:); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. T. Cassels.); Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, these last three unnamed as issued, mounted court-style, cleaned and lacquered, good very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400

M.B.E. (Military) Canada Gazette 2 June 1943.

The recommendation states: ‘Major Cassels was born at Toronto, Ontario on 5 October 1894, being educated at St Andrew’s College and Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario. He served with distinction during the war 1914-1918, being awarded the Military Cross in the field for bravery. He was mobilized in October 1940 and proceeded overseas as Second in Command 14th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, being appointed Deputy Adjutant General and Quartermaster-General “C” Group in March 1942. He is an officer with ability and tact, very much above the average. Through his energy, tactfulness and soldiering qualities he has been an example to all he has come in contact with. He has done a great deal towards the building of the Canadian Artillery, both in his regiment and the reinforcement units. I consider him a most outstanding officer.’

M.C. London Gazette 20 October 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and good work during operations. He carried out reconnaissances very ably and distinguished himself as F.O.O. One night he brought a section into action under very difficult conditions.’

Gordon Thomson Cassels was born on 5 October 1894, son of W. Gibson Cassels, of Toronto, and attended St Andrew’s College between 1903 and 1912. He then attended Royal Military College for two years and seven months, before joining the 22nd Battery, Canadian Field Artillery of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 5 January 1915, being awarded the Military Cross in 1916. He served 35 years as a member of St Andrew’s College Board of Governors between 1926 and 1961, and was Vice Chairman in 1951. During the Second War he served as a Major after being mobilised in October 1940, and was made M.B.E. in 1943.

Sold with comprehensive copied research including record of service.