Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War O.B.E., Great War ‘Battle of Vimy Ridge’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel F. G. Bird, Royal Canadian Engineers, who was twice wounded in action

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (A. Major F. G. Bird.); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Canada, the reverse engraved ‘Lt.-Col. F. G. Bird. M.C.’, with integral top riband bar, mounted as worn, the BWM and WM on the incorrect ribands, gilding somewhat rubbed on ED, otherwise good very fine (7) £800-£1,000

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

M.C. London Gazette 17 April 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He successfully demolished fifty yards of the enemy's wire, thereby enabling a raiding party to enter the enemy's trenches. Later, although severely wounded, he continued to carry on his work.’

Frederick George Bird was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on 10 December 1892, and was a civil engineer by profession. Following the outbreak of the Great War he enlisted in the Canadian Engineers on 28 February 1916, and served with the 10th Company, Canadian Engineers during the Great Wear on the Western Front from 10 August 1916, being wounded by shrapnel to the right leg on 9 November 1916, and again by gun shot to the right thigh at Vimy Ridge on 12 February 1917; it was for his gallantry on the latter occasion that he was awarded the Military Cross. He was promoted Acting Major on 7 April 1919.

Bird was awarded the Efficiency Decoration per General Order 240 of 1940, and saw further service with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War in both Canada and the United Kingdom He died in Ottawa on 2 March 1966.