Friday 8 April 2011

Lieutenant Orland Forest Moses, MC, MM

Born on 9 April 1893 in Osgoode, Ontario - son of James Moses, Osgoode, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as telegrapher; single; no current military service; previously served with the 56th Regiment; Methodist; height of 5 feet 9 inches; chest of 36.25 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brownish grey hair; medium hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 9 or 10 June 1915 (number 410362) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 1 November 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 6 November 1916 - wounded on 10 or 12 April 1917 - invalided to England on 17 May 1917 - commissioned as a Lieutenant - transferred to the 7th Reserve Battalion on 4 November 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 23 November 1917 - wounded on 16 March 1918 - invalided to England on 24 March 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 18 October 1918 - invalided sick to England on 27 March 1919.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in operations around Valenciennes, from 1st to 5th November, 1918. He was the first of his company to cross the bridge, remaining in the face of very hostile machine-gun fire until he had got the whole force safely across. Later, he led a fighting patrol through the city on his own initiative, silencing four machine guns and killing and taking many prisoners. On one occasion, although wounded in the head and leg, he continued leading his men forward, under very heavy fire, until their objective was gained. His courage and coolness throughout were worthy of high praise." - unit recommendation dated November 1918: "For gallantry during operations in the vicinity of Valenciennes from Nov. 1 to 5/18."

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation date unknown (announced 19 February 1917): "For bravery in the field."

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))

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