A Collection of Medals to the Canadian Expeditonary Force 1914-1918

A Great War M.C. and Bar group of four awarded to Major C. B. Hornby, 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry, a gallant Company Commander who was twice gassed and once wounded within a period of four weeks

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. C.B. Hornby, 31/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (Major C. B. Hornby), possible official correction to initials on the third, good 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 4 June 1917.

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

‘This officer commanded his company in an attack. Regardless of danger he led his company under heavy machine-gun and shell fire in a most determined manner. When he was held up by an enemy machine-gun nest, he made a reconnaissance of his frontage, and, exposing himself to great danger, directed his Lewis guns in such a manner as to enable the advance to continue. After being wounded in the leg he continued to lead his company until he fell exhausted. On this, and many previous occasions, he has shown marked courage and ability, and by his leadership has enabled his company to reach a high standard of efficiency.’

Charles Burton Hornby, who was born in Blenheim, Ontario, in October 1889, was a pre-war member of the Canadian Militia who joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Calgary in November 1914.

Embarked for France in September 1915, where he joined the 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry, as a Lieutenant, he was appointed Adjutant of his unit on the Somme in July 1916, and, in September of the same year, was advanced to the acting rank of Major, shortly after which he was awarded the M.C.

Returning to the U.K. in August 1917, he rejoined his unit in the Field in January 1918, was gassed on 9 August 1918 - the day before he was wounded in the leg while winning his second M.C. - but nonetheless rejoined his unit, only to be gassed again on 7 September and evacuated to England via No. 9 Canadian Field Ambulance.

The only officer of the 31st Battalion to be awarded the M.C. and Bar, he was discharged back in Ottawa in December 1919.

Sold with copied service record.