Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Western Front ‘V.C. Action’ M.M. awarded to Private W. Hannah, 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, for his gallantry south of Valenciennes on 1 November 1918 during the Battalion’s last operation of the War; he had previously been wounded in action at Vimy Ridge the previous year

Military Medal, G.V.R. (474161 Pte. W. Hannah. 46/Sask: R.) minor edge bruise, very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 3 July 1919.

William Hannah was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, on 31 August 1895, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on 14 March 1916. He served with the 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 August 1916, and was wounded by gun shot to the right thigh at Vimy Ridge on 16 February 1917. For his gallantry in action south of Valenciennes during the Hundred Days Offensive, during the Battalion’s last operation of the War, he was awarded the Military Medal- the Battalion’s War Diary for 1 November 1918 reports that the operation was a success but the Battalion suffered heavy casualties, with one officer and 35 other ranks killed and three officers and 89 other ranks wounded. German casualties were heavy with prisoners being taken, and equipment captured included 7 field guns, 6 trench mortars, 43 machine guns, and 2 anti-tank guns. The Commanding Officer’s report lists 4 officers and 24 other ranks whose service was worthy of special mention. For his gallantry that day Sergeant Hugh Cairns, of the same Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross:

‘For most conspicuous bravery before Valenciennes on 1 November 1918, when a machine gun opened on his platoon. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sergeant Cairns seized a Lewis gun and single-handed, in the face of direct fire, rushed the post, killed the crew of five, and captured the gun. Later, when the line was held up by machine-gun fire, he again rushed forward, killing 12 of the enemy and capturing 18 and two guns. Subsequently, when the advance was held up by machine guns and field guns, although wounded, he led a small party to outflank them, killing many, forcing about 50 to surrender, and capturing all the guns. After consolidation, he went with a battle patrol to exploit Marly and forced 60 of the enemy to surrender. Whilst disarming this party he was severely wounded. Nevertheless, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses. Finally, he was rushed by about 20 of the enemy and collapsed from weakness and loss of blood. Throughout the operation he showed the highest degree of valour, and his leadership greatly contributed to the success of the attack. He [Sergeant Cairns] died on 2 November from wounds.’ (London Gazette 31 January 1919).

Hannah returned to Canada on 27 April 1919, and was discharged at Regina on 10 June of that year.

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