A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant G. Blake, 28th Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (74310 Sjt: G. Blake. 28/Can: Inf:); Military Medal, G.VI.R. (74310 Sjt: G. Blake. 28/Sask: R.) good very fine (2) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as orderly to the commanding officer. He made careful reconnaissances, often under heavy shell fire, of routes to headquarters and the battalion front allotted to the battalion, so that the battalion headquarters were guided to positions without casualties. After the capture of the objective he made a reconnaissance of the forward area under heavy fire and brought his commanding officer valuable information. At all times he showed great initiative and resource, and his work was invaluable to his battalion.’

M.M. London Gazette 29 August 1918.

George Blake was born at Handsworth, Birmingham, England, on 27 September 1879. He enlisted into the 28th Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Winnipeg on 16 April 1915, and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 September 1915. He received a gun shot wound to his right index finger on 1 October 1918, and, after discharge from hospital on 27 January 1919, was transferred to the 15th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 14 February 1919. He died on 8 March 1920, aged 40, and is buried in Winnipeg (Brookside) Cemetery, Manitoba.

Sold with copied service papers.