A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

A Great War Vimy Ridge M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant J. C. Carling, 24th (Victoria Rifles) Battalion, Canadian Infantry

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved, ‘John Cecil Carling, Vimy Ridge, April 9th, 1917’; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. C. Carling), cleaned and polished, otherwise nearly very fine or better (3) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his section to the farthest objective, and under heavy fire personally directed the digging of gun pits. Through the succeeding days he rendered most valuable support, displaying great coolness and courage under trying conditions.’

John Cecil Carling was born in London, Ontario, on 24 October 1895. A member of the Militia and otherwise employed in the insurance business, he enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in December 1915.

Subsequently commissioned, he proceeded to France in July 1916, where he joined the strength of the 24th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, in which capacity he injured his left knee during a trench raid in January 1917, when he was carried in by fellow officers and treated by the M.O. He was, however, on attachment to No. 5 Canadian Trench Mortar Battery at the time of winning his M.C. on Vimy Ridge that April.

In the following month, he proceeded to England to undertake an Observer’s course in the Royal Flying Corps, but he returned to his unit in September 1917. Thereafter, he was largely employed back in England in Young Soldier Battalions. He was discharged back at London, Ontario in February 1919 and died in July 1943; sold with copied service papers.