Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Third Battle of the Scarpe’ M.C. group of four awarded to Major W. G. Wright, Canadian Field Artillery, for his gallantry as a forward Liaison Officer on 3 May 1917; he had previously been wounded at the Battle of Pozières, 26 September 1916

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut: W. G. Wright. 2/Can: Div: A.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Major W. G. Wright.) mounted as worn and housed in a glazed display frame with the recipient’s cap badge and rank insignia, very fine (4) £1400-1800

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He made several daring reconnaissances and sent back valuable information. Later, owing to casualties, he assumed command of the battery and by his energy and skill he kept his guns in action, although subjected to heavy shell fire and gas shells.’

William Gilchrist Wright was born at Lytham St. Anne’s, Lancashire, on 11 June 1887, and was educated at Edinburgh University, serving with the Edinburgh University Battery Volunteers. He emigrated to Canada in 1911, arriving in Quebec on 6 June, and was Commissioned Lieutenant in the Canadian Field Artillery in December 1914. He served with the 2nd Canadian Ammunition Column, C.F.A., on the Western Front from August 1915, before transferring to the 4th Brigade, C.F.A. in December 1915, and the 6th Brigade in April 1916. He was present at the Battle of the Somme, July 1916, and at Pozières, where he was wounded on 26 September 1916.
Promoted Captain in March 1917, he was next in action at the Battle for Vimy Ridge, and at the Third Battle of the Scarpe where, for his bravery on 3 May 1917, he was awarded the Military Cross. He subsequently served at Hill 70, and at Passchendaele from July to November 1917, and was promoted Major in November 1918.
After the War Major Wright continued his studies at Toronto University, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1920. He died in Quebec on 27 November 1963.

Wright’s Military Cross was awarded for the Third Battle of the Scarpe, not for the Battle of Vimy Ridge