Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front, 1916 trench raid’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. W. Teasdale, 75th (Mississauga) Battalion, Canadian Infantry

Military Medal, G.V.R. (119040 Pte. J. W. Teasdale. 75/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (119040 Pte. J. W. Teasdale. 75-Can. Inf.) together with Bronze Memorial Plaque (John William Teasdale) and 75th C.E.F. cap badge, this lacking lugs, nearly extremely fine (5) £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916. The recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry. He took part in a raid on the enemy’s trenches, as a member of the clearing party, which was intended to follow the bombing party through the trenches. At the moment when they were about to enter the enemy’s trenches two casualties occurred in the bombing party and Teasdale immediately leaped forward into the enemy’s trench and led the bombing party through it until the objective was reached, killing a number of Germans, and eventually capturing a prisoner. Pte. Teasdale’s action in assuming the position at the head of the bombing party occurred at a most critical moment, and if there had been any hesitation at this juncture, it might have had a serious effect on the success of the operation.’ (original Overseas Military Forces of Canada letter, dated 2 February 1918, refers)

John William Teasdale was killed in action on 18 November 1916, aged 33. He was the son of William and Margaret Teasdale, of Low Fell, County Durham, and is commemorated by name on the Vimy Memorial. Sold with original but damaged O.M.F.C. letter quoted above, and memorial scroll (Pte. John William Teasdale, M.M. Canadian Infantry Bn.), this slightly cut down and laminated.