Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The British War Medal awarded to Captain R. C. Dyer, Special List [D.C.M., M.M. and Bar, Russian Order of St. George 4th Class], late Sergeant, 8th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was twice decorated for his gallantry at Courcelette in 1916, and was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry at Onega, Russia in 1918. He was commissioned and placed in command of a battalion raised from Russian Bolshevik prisoners - the ‘Dyer Battalion’ of the Slavo-British Legion, and died of disease in Russia, 30 December 1918

British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. R. C. Dyer.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £300-£400

Dix Noonan Webb, December 2010.

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and resource during the landing at Onega and clearing of the town. He set a very fine example to his men throughout the action, and from a very exposed position, successfully engaged an enemy machine gun at close range with his Lewis gun. He showed marked courage in taking up new positions with his gun under heavy machine gun and cross rifle fire, and by his skilful use of it rendered very valuable service.’

M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916:

‘For gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of Brigade Runners previously to, but especially during, the successful attack by this Brigade on the Zollern and Hessian trenches, Sept. 26-27 1916. Without intermission, he was constantly supervising the organization of the Brigade Runners & it was owing to him that at no time were we out of touch by runner with any of out units. He showed himself to be energetic & trustworthy and set men under his command, & for his services in this connection I strongly recommend him for immediate reward.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 23 October 1916:

‘For gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of the Bde runners previously to but especially during the successful attack by the Bde Sept. 26th and 27th 1916. Without intermission he was constantly supervising the organization of the Bde Runners and it was owing to him that at no time were we out of touch with any of out units. He showed himself to be energetic and trustworthy and set men under his command and for his services in this connection I strongly recommend him.’

Royce Coleman Dyer was born in Sutton, Quebec, Canada in February 1889. A Butcher by occupation, he attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 21 September 1914. Dyer was posted to the 8th Battalion (Manitoba Regiment), Canadian Infantry. He served with the Battalion on the Western Front, including during the Second Battle of Ypres where he was gassed. For his bravery under fire during the fighting around Courcelette in 1916, he was awarded the Military Medal and Bar.

Dyer advanced to Sergeant when he joined the Allied Force going to Russia in June 1918, and distinguished himself during the landings at Onega. Soon after he was commissioned and placed in command of a battalion raised from Russian Bolshevik prisoners - the ‘Dyer Battalion’ of the Slavo-British Legion. Dyer was later awarded the Russian Order of St. George 4th Class. Captain Dyer died of disease, 30 December 1918, and is buried in the Archangel Allied Cemetery.

Sold with photographic image of recipient in uniform.