Knight 4th Class Military Order of William. It is for a column in the monthly News Bulletin of RCL Branch 005, the Liberation of the Netherlands. Special interest: what action was it Mason was awarded above mentioned Order?
Hi Herman For British medals there are qualification criteria, each action is witnessed, written up and then sorted in the correct medal. Some 'medals/decorations' are given for an instant action, saving a life etc some are given to soldiers for work they did over a period of time, months or even years for example. What are the criteria for being awarded the Knight fourth class of the Military William Order (MWO.4) Interested to know I cant answer your question above as I dont have access to the Canadian files TD https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37476/page/1052/data.pdf
Announced in the Canadian Gazette December 8th, 1945 and the London Gazette 37476/1052 Traces of War (translation) By Royal Decree of December 8, 1945, No. 2, appointed Knight of the 4th class of the Military Order of William because of: “During the battles for the liberation of the occupied Dutch territory, they distinguished themselves by performing excellent deeds of courage, policy and loyalty. In doing so, repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary devotion to duty and great perseverance, and in all respects, by example of praise, inspired all in those glorious days. ” K.B.no.2 Canada Gazette of Dec. 1945 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LONDON GAZETTE (has surname as LINN) seems a general citation for multiple awards? Theres pages following listing the various grades. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37476/page/1052/data.pdf Ministry of National Defence, Ottawa. 22nd December, 1945. The KING has 'been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations which have been conferred on the undermentioned personnel of the Canadian Army hi recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies: — DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS. Militaire Wellems-Orde Knight 4th Class. Lieutenant Kenneth Cecil LIDDELL, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. (Also MiD SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 APRIL, 1946 ) F82234 Gunner James Elmer GILLIS, Royal Canadian Artillery. Major Hugh Philip FALLOON, Canadian Infantry Corps (deceased). (Died of wounds in the UK buried alongside his sister Helena Richardson who was killed in an RTC (served ATS)) Lieutenant (acting Captain) Roger CARON, Canadian Infantry Corps. Lieutenant John Charles Bertrand FORBES, Canadian Infantry Corps. Lieutenant Gerald Mason LINN, Canadian Infantry Corps. Li 5 4040 Sergeant Wilfred Hiram KIRK, Canadian Infantry Corps. F6o646 Private (acting Corporal) Joseph William CAMPBELL, Canadian Infantry Corps (deceased). 0131732 Lance-Corporal Howard Reginald MYATT. Canadian Infantry Corps (deceased). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Kyle
Documents held at:- Inventory of the archives of the Chancellery of the Netherlands Orders, 1815-1994 Find genealogical data from Dutch and Belgian archives https://e-depot.nationaalarchief.nl...71&token=43343665-f525-47a6-a4ce-112ef9d6c517 Kyle
Thanks for response. Knight 4th Class MoW is rarely awarded. Now my focus is on the Canadian recipients. ( in total of which 3 posthumously) Criteria for the three posthumously awarded: ‘’Performing acts of excellent Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty during the fighting for the liberation of Dutch territory. Being an inspiration to all in these days when he himself lost his life”. For the survivors: ‘’Performing acts of excellent Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty during the fighting for the liberation of Dutch territory. Being an inspiration to all in these days. As far as I know there is still one British Knight 4th Class alive. Meanwhile 104 year old. Major (ret) Kenneth Mayhew.
Thanks for your posting. This is the information I already have. From the 8 others RMWO4 I have the information for which Operation they were awarded with the highest Dutch military award.
Either a huge typo has persisted for 75 years or someone dropped the ball. There was a Sgt Harry Angus Linn, RCASC, awarded the BEM in 1945 but I'm pretty sure Lt Mason is your subject. Mason, Gerald Leslie Last Name: Mason First Name: Gerald Leslie Medal Type: Militaire Willems-Orde, Knight 4th class Month Awarded: September Year Awarded: 1945 Rank at time of award: Lt Corp: 2 Cdn Division: 2 Cdn Inf Brigade: 6 Cdn Inf Unit: South Sask Regt Sub-Unit: RCASC Remarks: Netherlands Award
YES. This must be the right chap. I allready wondered why I did not find any info Thanks a lot Now I have the complete list of the 9 Canadians and can finish my column All the best.
Good Morning from here. You must have acces to interesting information. I appreciate this very much. All the bet from here.
