Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Major E. J. A. Maunsell, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, later Canadian Army, firstly for his gallantry at Pacaut Wood on 15 April 1918, and secondly for his gallantry at Arras on 30 August 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. E. J. A. Maunsell. R. War. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. E. J. A. Maunsell.) good very fine (4) £1,200-£1,600

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The far end of a position over a canal which was under heavy shell and machine-gun fire was blown up. He volunteered to go into the position and report the damage. Later, he repeatedly led his men into a wood through heavy fire in his endeavour to force a way through the enemy line. His fine leading and cool behaviour were an example to all.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘Pacaut Wood, 15 April 1918’.

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 1 February 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and able leadership east of Arras on August 30th, 1918. In spite of hostile machine-gun and artillery fire he got his company into position, and led them in an attack on the ridge north of St. Sevins Ridge. He was the only officer of the battalion who reached the second objective. where he took charge of all the scattered companies, reorganising them, and getting into touch with units on the flanks.’

Edgar Joseph Arundell Maunsell was born in Woolwich on 24 August 1896, the son of Major Manuel Charles Maunsell, Royal Artillery, and the grandson of General Sir Frederick Maunsell, K.C.B., Indian Army, and commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, on 12 May 1915. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 1915, and was promoted Lieutenant on 10 July 1916, and appointed Acting Captain on 20 July 1917. For his gallantry at Pacaut Wood on 15 April 1918 he was awarded the Military Cross, and later, for his gallantry at Arras on 30 August 1918, was awarded a Second Award Bar to his M.C. Subsequently emigrating to Canada in 1925, he was appointed a Major in the Canadian Army, and died in Calgary, Alberta, on 11 July 1950, aged 53.