Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Italian theatre’ M.M. awarded to Private J. C. Bohemier, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, who distinguished himself as a carrier driver rescuing wounded soldiers during an action around the Pisciatelli River, 17/18 October 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (K.65821 Pte. J. C. Bohemier. C. Inf. C.) with 2 identity discs, surname partially officially corrected, good very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 26 April 1945, the original recommendation states:

‘On the night of the 17/18 October 1944 The Loyal Edmonton Regiment established a bridgehead across the Pisciatelli River. K-65821 Private Joseph Charles Bohemier was a carrier driver with 4 Platoon of Support Company.

On 18 October 1944, Private Bohemier volunteered to transport wounded personnel from the forward companies to the Regimental Aid Post, a distance of about 1800 yards. The only crossing place was very bad going even for a carrier as it had been used by tanks and had become a veritable quagmire. Although it was also under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, Private Bohemier made the crossing five times and successfully evacuated twenty casualties.

On one occasion while moving towards one of the forward companies a shell landed a few yards away. The carrier was pierced in a number of places by shrapnel and Private Bohemier was temporarily blinded by mud and blast. Despite this and the fact that he was under enemy observation, this private soldier reached the company where three very serious casualties were waiting to be evacuated. Practically unaided, and under heavy mortar fire, he got the three casualties into the carrier and brought them safely back.

Throughout the whole action Private Bohemier showed the greatest courage and devotion to duty, and his gallant action in the face of great danger and difficulties undoubtedly saved the lives of several men who might otherwise have been fatal casualties.’

John Charles Bohemier served as a Carrier Driver with the The Loyal Edmonton Regiment during the Second World War. He returned to Canada after the war, and resided in Lillooet, British Columbia. Bohemier was a prospector and trucker in his time, and he disappeared, presumed drowned, in November 1974. He had set out in his boat on an errand of mercy to help a resident who lived in an isolated cabin on the shores of Seton Lake, and who had not been heard from in some time.