1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Museum

VICTORIA CROSS

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award in the British Honours system. The VC is awarded for valour in the presence of the enemy to members of any rank of the British armed forces. The VC was also be awarded posthumously.

Below is the only member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and the 6th Airborne Division to receive this honour.

Cpl Frederick G. Topham V.C.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by British officers and servicemen of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.

Below is the only member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion to receive this award.

Lt. Col G. F. Eadie D.S.O.

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

The Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was was created in 1917 and awarded for service to Britain. The order was created mainly to award non-combatant services. In 1918 it was divided into Military and Civilian divisions. The order can be awarded for gallantry as well as for service.

Below is the only member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion to receive this order.

Lt. Col Jevon A. Nicklin O.B.E.

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) was created in 1917 and consisted of five classes in both civilian and military divisions. The most senior two divisions make the recipient either a Knight if male or Dame if female. They were awarded for a variety of contributions such as art and science, charitable and welfare organizations, or public service outside civil service. Recommendations for the Order of the British Empire were made on the nomination of the United Kingdom.

Below is the only member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion to receive this Order.

Lt. Louis J. G. Brunelle M.B.E.

MILITARY CROSS

The Military Cross (MC) is awarded in recognition of an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy force. It can be awarded to any service, land, air or sea of the British military of any rank level.

Below are members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who received this award.

Capt John A. Clancy M.C.
Capt Peter R. Griffin M.C.
Lt John P. Hanson M.C.

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and non-commissioned members for distinguished conduct in the field. It was the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria Cross).

Below are members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who were awarded this honour.

C.S.M George W. Green D.C.M., M.M.
C.S.M. John M. Kemp D.C.M.,

MILITARY MEDAL

The Military Medal (MM) is awarded to Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and non-commissioned members for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field.

Below are members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who were awarded this honour.

Sgt A. Bray
Pte W.S. Ducker
Pte R.A. Geddes
Cpl (A/Sgt) G.W. Green
Sgt J.A. Lacasse
Sgt G.H. Morgan
Cpl (A/Sgt) W.P. Minard
Pte W. Noval
Pte J.O. Quigley

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES

The Mention in Dispatch (MiD) is awarded for valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service by an Officer or Non-commissioned member in combat or near-combat conditions.

Below are members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who have received this award.

Pte R.D. Amaola
Sgt F.T. Blagborne
Pte G. Brady
Sgt G. Capraru
Cpl J.L. Chambers
Lt J.L. Davies
W.O. II (CSM) H.K. Duckett
L/Sgt D.R. Fairborne
Lt V.E. Fleming
Sgt L.V. Heal
Major R.C. Hilborn
Pte (A/Cpl) G.H. Jickels
Cpl E.A. Jeans
Lt (A/Capt) J.A. Lukasffy
Major (A/Lt Col) J.A. Nicklin
Pte M.M. Petrow
Major J.A. Simpson
Sgt J. Shymzyshyn
L/Cpl L.L. Weatherson

Phtotographs courtesy of the London Medal Company

Honours and Awards to 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Members