Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lieutenant M. E. Beckett, 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) Canadian Infantry, who commanded “B” Group in the regiment’s successful trench raid on the night of 27th/28th April 1918, in which Lieutenant G. B. McKean, commanding “E” group, won the Victoria Cross

British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. M. E. Beckett.) mounted for display, extremely fine (2) £150-200

The following account of Lieutenant Beckett’s “B” Group in the trench raid of 27/28 April 1918 is taken from the history of The Royal Montreal Regiment:

‘The experience of “B” Group was similar to that of “A”. On entering the enemy trench opposition was overcome by the use of the bayonet, and later a German machine-gun was put out of action by a rifle grenade and by a sudden attack, in which Lieut. M. E. Beckett shot down No. 1 of the gun’s crew. Proceeding from the spot where this encounter took place, “B” Group bombed a number of dugouts, continuing operations until red flares burning along Trent Trench signalled the recall.’

Lieutenant G. B. McKean, M.M., commanding “E” Group was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the raid:

‘On 27/28 April 1918 at the Gavrelle Sector, France, when Lieutenant McKean's party was held up at a block in the communication trench by intense fire, he ran into the open, leaping over the block head first on top of one of the enemy. Whilst lying there, he was attacked by another with a fixed bayonet. He shot both of these men, captured the position, then sent back for more bombs, and until they arrived he engaged the enemy single-handed. He then rushed a second block, killing two of the enemy, capturing four others, and driving the remainder into a dug-out, which he then destroyed.’

Strangely Lieutenant Beckett was the only raiding party commander not to be decorated or mentioned for this action. Sold with comprehensive copied personnel file.