Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War escaper’s M.M. awarded to Private T. L. Shannon, 8th (90th Regiment) Battalion, Canadian Infantry - “The Little Black Devils”, who was wounded and captured during the 2nd Battle of Ypres - but later escaped

Military Medal, G.V.R. (13 Pte. T. L. Shannon, 8/Can. Inf.), minor edge bruising, good very fine £500-600

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

View
Collection

M.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920:

‘In recognition of gallant conduct and determination displayed in escaping or attempting to escape from captivity, which services have been brought to notice in accordance with the terms of Army Order 193 of 1919. To be dated 5 May 1919.’

Thomas Shannon was born in Montreal on 20 January 1893. A Railway Worker by occupation, he attested for the 8th Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles) at Valcartier in September 1914.

Out in France with the “Little Black Devils” during the 2nd Battle of Ypres, he was wounded on 11 May 1915, suffering gunshot wounds to his right shoulder and left foot - added to which, on 22 June 1915, he was listed as ‘Previously reported wounded, now officially reported wounded & Prisoner of War at Paderborn’. Moreover, Shannon was was listed as ‘now escaped’ on 28 July 1918, and duly awarded the M.M. He was discharged medically unfit at Winnipeg in November 1918; sold with copied service record that confirms active service in France and Belgium for 3 months, and 39 months as a P.O.W. in Germany.