Just added Sergeant John Simmons, MM to the nominal roll and our list of those awarded the Military Medal. He was a gun sergeant with 31st Battery, 8th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in December of 1916 when he was awarded the Military Medal. His citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Martinpuich on November 4th when the gun of which he was in charge burnt killing two of the detachment and causing the roof of the pit to collapse. The ammunition commenced to explode almost instantly and the pit became a mass of flames. In spite of this and at great personal risk Sgt Simmons succeeded in pulling Gnr McKenna out through a hole in the roof caused by the explosion. This N.C.O. then stayed and attempted to check the flames until ordered away by Lieut. Howard. There is no doubt that this gallant act of Sgt Simmons was responsible for saving the life of Gnr McKENNA. A.F.W. 3121. |
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January 2021
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