Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Private A. R. Dunn, 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion, who was wounded in March 1917, decorated for bravery at Vimy Ridge on 9 April 1917, and killed in action in the battle of Arleux-en-Gohelle on 28 April 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (424459 Pte. A. R. Dunn, 5/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (424459 L. Sjt. A. R. Dunn. 5-Can. Inf.) extremely fine (3) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 9 July 1917. The recommendation states:

‘During the operations of April 9th, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, this man showed great bravery in the way in which he bombed up a German communication trench to the second objective. There were several dug-outs in this trench and a number of prisoners were taken. After reaching the second objective, he took charge of his platoon, his officer and sergeant having been killed, and was of great assistance to his Company Commander during the re-organizing, and also in consolidating the second objective.’

Arthur Roy Dunn was born in Luther, Ontario, on 12 June 1895, and enlisted into the 45th Battalion at Minnedosa, Manitoba, on 25 May 1915. He served with the 5th Battalion (the Red Saskatchewans) in France 27 September 1916. Wounded by a gun shot wound to the chin and arm on 2 March 1917, he returned to duty after five days’ hospital treatment.

On 9 April 1917, the 5th Battalion was part of the assault on the Pimple, the highest point on Vimy Ridge, during which the Canadian Corps successfully captured that position. A Canadian Red Ensign flag which was carried into the battle by the 5th Saskatchewan battalion was subsequently presented to the Imperial War Museum in London. Following the victory at Vimy Ridge, the 5th Battalion formed the left flank of the 1st Division’s attack on the town of Arleux-en-Gohelle. Dunn was killed in action here on 28 April 1917 and is commemorated by a special memorial in Orchard Dump Cemetery at Arleux. The Battle at Arleux-en-Gohelle was the only allied success during the advance on Hill 70, a critical position needed to defend the Canadian line. Sold with copied service records and several photographs of his grave stone and memorial.