Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. and Bar group of four awarded to Lieutenant R. Montgomery, 3rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was twice wounded on the occasion of winning his second award

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (10154 Pte. R. Montgomery, 3/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R. Montgomery), contact marks, generally very fine (4) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Canadian Expeditonary Force 1914-1918.

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M.C. London Gazette 18 February 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon with great dash and determination in an attack, capturing 12 prisoners and killing a large number of the enemy. He also captured a machine-gun and, when the final objective was reached, he showed great skill and judgment in consolidating the position under heavy fire.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919:

‘At Upton Wood, on 30-31 August 1918, he led his platoon with great gallantry against an enemy trench in the face of heavy fire. Though wounded, he persevered, and was the first officer of his company to reach the objective. He organised the defence of the captured position in a most efficient manner, and was indefatigable in his devotion to duty until he was severely wounded a second time and was forced to retire. His courage and endurance were a very fine example to his men.’

Roland Montgomery, who was born in Toronto, Ontario in March 1894, enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1914.

Embarked for France in February 1915, where he joined the 3rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry, he was wounded in the left foot on 23 April, but returned to duty after being treated at No. 6 General Hospital at Rouen. Then in August 1916 he was ordered to Shorncliffe to attend an officer’s training unit.

Duly commissioned in July 1917, he returned to active duty with his old unit and, after winning a brace of M.Cs for the above cited deeds, was invalided back to the U.K. in early September 1918, this time with serious leg wounds.

Montgomery, who was demobilised back in Canada in early 1919, remained an active member of the Militia and died in July 1929, while attempting to save a young girl from drowning in Lake Simcoe; sold with copied service record.