Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Passchendaele’ M.M. pair awarded to Private C. McPherson, 24th (1st Quebec) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 9 August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (141506 Pte. C. Mc.Pherson. 24/Can: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (141506 Cpl. C. Mc Pherson. 24-Can. Inf.); Memorial Plaque (Charles McPherson); Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R. (141506 Pte. C. McPherson M.M.) last lacking ring suspension, good very fine (4) £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918.

The original Recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the operations at Passchendaele on 6 November 1917. Private McPherson, who was employed as a stretcher bearer, was most conspicuous in his devotion to duty in attending the wounded under most intense enemy bombardments. During the whole day he was constantly taking great risks in bringing in the wounded to his trench, dressing them, and directing their evacuation. He made no fewer than six trips with wounded from the front line to the Regimental Aid Post. His conduct throughout the entire tour was most outstanding; he would never seek shelter or take any rest as long as there were wounded to be attended to.’

Charles McPherson was born in Kilmarnock on 18 July 1886, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 27 July 1915. He served with the 24th (1st Quebec) Battalion, Canadian Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 29 June 1916, and was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry at Passchendaele on 6 November 1917. He was slightly wounded to the left hand on 29 May 1918, and was killed in action near Vrely on 9 August 1918- his casualty form states: ‘While advancing with his Company nearly Vrely, he was hit in the chest and almost instantly killed by an enemy machine gun bullet.’ He is buried in Vrely Communal Cemetery Extension, France.