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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 213

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant D. S. Gwyn, Royal Canadian Dragoons, who was lost when the Leinster was torpedoed and sunk by the U-123 off Dublin Bay on 10 October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Donald Stodart Gwyn), nearly extremely fine (2)

M.C. London Gazette 26 March 1918. Citation published 24 August 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. He led his men with great energy and determination, and by his fearless leadership overcame the enemy’s resistance. He set a splendid example to all ranks.’

Donald Stodart Gwyn was born in Quebec City on 1 October 1896 and was educated at Bishops College, Lennoxville, and the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Dragoons on 25 June 1915 and served with the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on the Western Front from 1917. Gwyn was awarded the M.C. for an action south-east of Haricourt on the night of 12-13 February 1918, and was severely wounded on 23 March 1918. He went on leave to Ireland, and on returning to England on board the R.M.S. Leinster he was killed on 10 October 1918 when the ship was torpedoed by the German submarine U-123 just outside Dublin Bay in the Irish Sea, with the loss of over 500 lives. His body was subsequently recovered and he is buried in Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland.

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Sold for
£650

Starting price
£600