A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

A Great War Passchendaele operations M.M. awarded to Private G. Brooks, 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, later wounded in action

Military Medal, G.V.R. (793967 Pte. G. Brooks, 26/Can. Inf.), suspension tightened, contact marks, nearly very fine £400-500

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

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M.M. London Gazette 3 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on Passchendaele Ridge on 6 November 1917, and the subsequent period, 6-7 November, when the Battalion was consolidating the ground gained. When his platoon was ordered to reinforce the battalions most forward post, and in doing it had advanced over the open through very heavy enemy barrage this man, who was a stretcher-bearer on attaining his position, returned covering the ground over which his platoon had advanced, dressing the wounded. While so doing he was exposed not only to very heavy shellfire but also heavy sniping fire. He collected the wounded in shell-holes and later organised bearer parties to take them out. During the whole operation his great bravery and utter disregard to personal danger, while attending to the wounded, was a splendid example and source of inspiration to his comrades.’

George Brooks was born in Newcastle, Northumberland County, New Brunswick, on 1 July 1895. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the 132nd (North Shore) Battalion at Newcastle in March 1916. Arriving in England in November 1916, he was posted to the 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion in France in November 1917 and served with great distinction during the Battle of Passchendaele, for which he was awarded the M.M. Brooks was wounded in action on 23 September 1918, suffering a gun shot wound to the right arm. Invalided to England, he was later demobilised in Canada at St. John, New Brunswick, in February 1919; sold with copied service papers.