Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Squadron Sergeant Major E. Canning, Military Mounted Police, later Lieutenant, Labour Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (449 Sjt: E. Canning. M.M.P.); 1914-15 Star (449 Sjt. E. Canning. M.M.P.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (2. Lieut. E. Canning.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (449 Sjt: E. Canning. M.M.P.) mounted for display, toned, generally very fine or better (5) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917:

‘For conspicuous devotion to duty. He has performed consistent good work throughout, and has displayed great courage and skill on several occasions in controlling traffic under shell fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 21 June 1916.

Ernest Robert Canning was born in Cookhill, Alcester, Warwickshire in August 1876. He attested for the 13th Hussars at Coventry in January 1895, and transferred to the Military Mounted Police in August 1899. Canning advanced to Sergeant in July 1911, and was discharged by his own request, 4 January 1913 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in May 1914).

Canning re-engaged for service with the Military Mounted Police during the Great War in September 1914. He served in the French theatre of war from 15 June 1916, and was subsequently attached for service with HQ 2nd Army, XIII Corps. Having advanced to Acting Squadron Sergeant Major, Canning was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Labour Corps in September 1917, and was posted to the 160th Labour Company. He advanced to Lieutenant in February 1919, and the following month was attached to 172 Prisoner of War Company in Rouen. Canning relinquished his commission in January 1921, and in later life lived in Evesham, Worcestershire.

1 of 34 D.C.M.’s to the Military Mounted Police for the Great War.

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