Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Private J. Bentley, 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry

Military Medal, G.V.R. (73325 Pte. J. Bentley, 28/Can: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (73325 Pte. J. Bentley. 28/Can: Inf:) very fine (2) £280-£320

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916.

The original Recommendation states: ‘For great courage and devotion to duty near Courcelette from 25 to 28 September 1916. As a Signaller he maintained telephone communication to the Brigade Report Centre, whilst exposed to heavy shell fire and enemy sniping. The line was cut repeatedly during the period mentioned and during the whole of this time this man worked at great personal danger. By his courage and devotion to duty he greatly assisted in the carrying out of the operations by furnishing telephone communication. This man has on previous occasions when the Battalion was in the trenches done similar good work with the same bravery and coolness.’

James Bentley was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, on 2 November 1883, and served with 12 years in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Emigrating to Canada, he attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Port Arthur on 24 October 1914, and served with the 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 September 1915, and was awarded the Military Medal in 1916. He was discharge on 28 February 1919.

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