Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Family pair to the Commins brothers, who between them won three M.C.’s and were both killed in action serving in Canadian Infantry Battalions in France

British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. C. F. Commins.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. W. K. Commins.) extremely fine (2) £200-£240

M.C. London Gazette 16 February 1918; citation published, 18 July 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great skill and courage in handling not only his own platoon, but men of other units who had become attached, regulating the pace of the advance behind the barrage by encouraging his men forward and yet checking them as circumstances warranted. Whilst holding the line, he was most active and assiduous in his duties, keeping his men in good spirits and visiting posts during heavy bombardments.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published, 4 October 1919:
‘During the battle of Cambrai, on 1st October, 1918, while leading his company into the attack, he found that the advancing troops were pushing ahead into our own barrage and were losing direction. He immediately ran forward, under heavy machine-gun fire, checked his men, and re- organised them. In the subsequent advance he was severely wounded, but with splendid courage forced his way forward, leading his men until he was again hit. He still tried to press forward, but was hit the third time, this time fatally.’

Chester Francis Commins, M.C. & Bar, 1st Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) was killed in action in the battle of Cambrai, 1 October 1918. He is buried in Sancourt British Cemetery, Nord, France.

M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry during a raid. He led the assaulting party and showed great determination, capturing two prisoners and killing twelve of the enemy. Finally, he brought his party back to our trenches without serious casualties.’

Captain William Kennedy Commins, M.C., 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) was killed in action on 9 August 1918, and is buried in Beaucourt British Cemetery, Somme, France. He had previously been wounded by a gunshot in the right arm on 9 April 1917.