A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

A rare Great War D.S.O. and Bar group of three awarded to Major G. W. Shearer, Canadian Field Artillery, who was twice wounded

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt and enamel; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Major G. W. Shearer), the first with loose/recessed obverse centre, otherwise good very fine or better (3) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 3 June 1918.

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 1 February 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and determination whilst in support of the attacking infantry after the capture of Drocourt-Queant line on 2 September 1918. He pushed his battery forward and established an observation post south of the windmill on Mount Dury, which was under intense shelling and machine-gun fire. Although wounded, he directed his battery with skill and courage throughout, dealing effectively with hostile machine-guns and enemy troops in the open, remaining on Mount Dury for 18 hours after he was wounded.’

George Wyman Shearer was born in Montreal on 12 June 1886. A graduate of McGill University and an Electrical Engineer by profession, he enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in March 1915, and was appointed to a commission in the 27th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery.

Embarked for England, he went out to France with the 1st Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column in June 1916, but was attached to 1st C.F.A. H.Q. in the following month, prior to returning to a gunnery course at Shorncliffe at the year’s end.

Back on active service with 3rd Brigade, C.F.A., in the new year, he was appointed to the temporary rank of Major in March 1917 and wounded at Passchendaele that October. He was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 28 December 1917 refers).

Subsequently appointed C.O. of 11th Battery, 3rd Brigade, C.F.A., he was again wounded on the occasion of winning his second D.S.O. on the Drocourt-Queant line in September 1918, and added two further “mentions” to his accolades (London Gazettes 4 October 1918 and 11 July 1919 refer). He was discharged back in Canada in June 1919; sold with copied service papers.