Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Captain G. M. Shackel, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was decorated for his bravery as a Company Commander in the attack on Bois-en-Hache in April 1917, when he was wounded after his battalion went ‘over the top’ in a blizzard

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. G. M. Shackel, R. Suss. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. G. M. Shackel), mounted as worn, together with a Canadian ‘Little Black Devils’ badge, this last lacking reverse brooch pin, possible official correction to surname on the British War Medal, polished overall, fine or better (5) £800-£1,000

M.C. London Gazette 22 May 1917; citation published 26 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company with great courage and determination. By his fine example under heavy fire, and his training of the company, he was greatly responsible for the success of the attack.’

George Meredyth Shackel was appointed a Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in November 1914. Embarked for France in the following year, he saw action on the Somme, commanding ‘B’ Company in the battalion’s attack on Delville Wood on 30 August 1916; likewise in the costly attack on Bois-en-Hache on 12-13 April 1917, when he and his men ‘went over the top’ in a snow blizzard and took immediate casualties from heavy machine-gun fire - Shackel was among those wounded. The attack was carried out on the left flank of the Canadians, hence, presumably, Shackel’s keepsake in the form of a ‘Little Black Devils’ badge. He was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 26 July 1917, refers).