Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War D.S.O. group of five awarded to Major J. F. Blair, Royal Canadian Dental Corps

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., lacking cypher to reverse centre and top suspension brooch; 1914-15 Star (Capt: J. F. Blair. Can: A.D.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Major J. F. Blair.); Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Lt-Col J. F. Blair, D.S.O.) lacking ‘Canada’ top suspension brooch, lacquered, good very fine (5) £1200-1400

D.S.O. London Gazette 2 April 1919; citation 10 December 1919:

‘Major John Freeman Blair, Canadian Army Dental Corps, attached 4th Field Ambulance, Canadian Army Medical Corps. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from 5 to 11 November 1918, in the Valenciennes-Mons area, as liaison officer between regimental aid posts and forward collecting posts. Keeping in close touch with the rapidly advancing infantry, he was continuously under fire, but ensured the rapid evacuation of the wounded. On several occasions he dressed the wounded in the open under fire, remaining to superintend their removal on the arrival of the stretcher-bearers.’

Established in August 1915, the first Dental Corps draft consisted of 27 officers, 35 N.C.O.s, and 40 privates. On arrival in England and France they were sent as detachments to the various base hospitals and units of the Canadian Corps. Sold with a pair of R.C.D.C. shoulder flashes.