Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Vimy Ridge’ M.M. awarded to Private W. J. Woodean, 6th Company, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, for gallantry near Farbus, 9-10 April 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (424277 Pte. W. J. Woodean. 6/Coy Can: M.G.C.) cleaned, suspension claw re-affixed and filed down, nearly very fine £200-£240

M.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917.

The original recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action near Farbus 9th and 10th April 1917. Although in a very exposed position and under fire he fought his guns with the greatest determination and skill with most successful results.’

William John Woodean was born in Cape Town, South Africa in July 1865. His attestation papers give his previous service as with the Canadian Field Artillery in South Africa. Woodean was employed as a Railway Signaller and he resided in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada prior to the Great War. He served during the Great War with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps on the Western Front, and distinguished himself at Vimy Ridge. Woodean died in June 1944, and is buried in the I.O.O.F. Little Mountain Cemetery, Royal Canadian Legion, Chilliwack, British Columbia.