Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘prelude to Vimy Ridge’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal J. Hebden, 10 Field Company, Canadian Engineers, who having already been wounded in May 1917, died from a shrapnel wound received to his head, 21 October 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (504045 L. Cpl. J. Hebden. 10/F. Coy Can: E.) edge bruise, good very fine £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 11 July 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘On Vimy Ridge, April 7/8th 1917. For gallant conduct and devotion to duty while assisting in the supervision of the digging of an assembly trench in front of our front line, between Irish and Kennedy Craters. His party was twice scattered by heavy shelling but he collected his party and placed them and inspired them with the confidence necessary to complete their task, regardless of the exposure to which he himself was subjected.’

Joseph Hebden was born in Pallington, Yorkshire, in December 1887. He joined the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in February 1916, and arrived in the UK in May 1916. Hebden was posted to the 10th Field Company, Canadian Engineers, in June 1916, and served with the unit in the French theatre of war from August 1916. He advanced to Lance-Corporal in March 1917, and was wounded in action 3 May 1917.

Having recovered from his wound, Hebden was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in the prelude to the Battle of Vimy Ridge - making preparations prior to the launch of the main offensive on 9 April 1917. He died as a consequence of a shrapnel wound to the head, at No. 8 Canadian Field Ambulance, 27 October 1917, and is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, West Vlanderen, Belgium.