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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 674

(x) The Second World War M.B.E., Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Captain R. D. Kinmond, 6th Field Company, Canadian Engineers, later 11th Engineer Services and Works Company

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, G.V.R., Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, Military Division, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. D. Kinmond.); Jubilee 1935; Efficiency Decoration, Canada, engraved 'Lt. Col. R. D. Kinmond. M.C.', mounted for wear, minor contact marks, very fine overall (6)

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

M.C. London Gazette 4 February 1918, the original citation printed on 5 June 1918 states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a large party engaged on road construction under heavy fire, and many casualties occurred. He attended to the wounded, exposing himself continually to the greatest danger, and by his courageous example inspired his men to complete the work.’

Robert Duff Kinmond was born at Vancouver, British Colombia on 21 April 1891 and worked as a surveyor prior to enlisting on 27 January 1916 from the Volunteer Reserve. Proceeding to England as part of the 17th Draft, Canadian Engineers he joined the 11th Field Company, Canadian Engineers in the Field on 2 October 1916. He was to serve with them for the duration of the war, winning his M.C. in late 1917.

Advanced Captain on 24 May he was further appointed Adjutant on 26 May 1918 of the newly formed 11th Battalion, Canadian Engineers. Kinmond returned to Canada on 6 June 1919 with the 6th Field Company and demobilised on 20 June 1919 at Ottawa. He later commanded the 11th District Engineers as a Lieutenant-Colonel during the interwar period, starting on 22 November 1933. During this period, he was also to serve as Honorary Treasurer of the Military Engineers Association of Canada.

Rejoining for duty during the Second World War as a Major, Kinmond was posted to command the 4th Fortress (Electrical and Mechanical) Company on 28 October 1940 at Vancouver. With the disbandment of this unit on 31 December 1943 he took charge of its successor, No. 11 Engineer Services and Works Company which ran the Pacific Command Camouflage School at ‘The Gables’ Point Grey. For his work Kinmond was awarded the M.B.E. in 1946, although his award card notes that the recipient was deceased suggesting he either died at the end of or soon after the war; sold together with copied research comprising, service papers and extracts from a history of the Canadian Engineers.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,000

Starting price
£420