Canada, CEF. A First War DSO and MC with Bar to Major McCaghey, Gallantry at Lens and Camery, 1918

A Military Cross, in silver, full size, reverse engraved N.F. McCAGHEY. LENS 27-4-18, lovely toning around crowns, worn on original ribbon with brooch style pin, in very fine condition. Contained in its original case of issue, a dark purple leatherette exterior with gilded crown on the lid, the interior with a white silk lid and velvet medalbed, measures 78 mm (w) x 32 mm (l) x 18 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, very fine. Accompanied by a tailor copy (replacement) bar, reverse marked STER., very fine. 

A Distinguished Service Order, in silver gilt and enamels, measures 41.5 mm (w) x 46.2 mm (h), worn on original ribbon with suspension bars at base and top, both engraved on the reverse MAJOR N.F. McCAGHEY on top and DAMERY 15-8-18 below, small enamel chips to reverse wreath, otherwise near extremely fine. Contained in its original case, a black pebbled exterior marked D.S.O., the interior silk lid marked GARRARD & Co, with a blue velvet medalbed, measures 130 mm (w) x 67 mm (l) x 23 mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, light wear to exterior, remains near extremely fine. 

Accompanied by a brass nameplate engraved MAJOR N.F. MCCAGHEY D.S.O. M.C. AND BAR 52ND BATT. C.E.F., copies of his attestation papers, research communications in the 1976,

Footnote: Norman Fraser McCaghey was born in Quebec on May 30, 1890. At the time of his enlistment on July 6, 1915, he was a civil engineer in Port Arthur, Ontario. 

Upon arriving in France with the 52nd Battalion, he completed an anti gas school and grenade course throughout the summer of 1916. In February 1917, he was to become a Captain following the death of Captain H.J Horan. By June, he was named acting Major whilst commanding A company. 

In July 1918, he was reported to be temporary Major of the Manitoba Regiment (enacted in April). On August 15, 1918, while on duty in France repulsing a German Counter attack, was hit by rifle bullet in arm and about one hour after was shot by machine gun bullet T&T [through and through] wound from Buttock to groin. Was taken to C.C [casualty clearing] Station, then to # 8 Gen Hosp. in Rouen. He was later evacuated to England when he was in the Prince of Wales in London for two months. He was moved to Convalescent Hospital in Matlock for an additional month, prior to returning to Canada as an invalid. 

McCaghey was awarded the Military Cross on September 16, 1918 for actions on April 27, 1918, at Lens.  The citation read: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, after several daring reconnaissances by day and night, organised a raiding party, which, under his direction, entered the enemy trenches at 3 a.m., without being observed penetrating to a strong point where they killed or wounded twenty-five, and brought back two prisoners for identification,and also a machine gun. The surprise was so complete that the raiders had only three slight casualties.”

He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions on August 15, 1918 at Camery. Damery (sometimes spelled “Camery” in older or handwritten records), was a small village east of Rosières-en-Santerre, in the Amiens sector of France. The London Gazette, dated January 11, 1919 states his citation as follows: 
“McCaghey, Major Norman Fraser M.C
52nd Battalion Canadian Infantry, Manitoba Regiment
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion in a successful attack when his fine courage and initiative were the outstanding feature of the occasion. He exposed himself fearlessly in steading the line, during which time he was severely wounded; and his splendid example largely accounted for the enemy’s complete defeat.”

He was later awarded the Bar for the Military Cross on November 3, 1918. McCaghey was also mentioned in despatches on December 31, 1918. 

Following the war, McCaghey became a certified field officer, completing the qualification course in machine gunnery at Kenogami, Quebec in October, 1922. McCaghey died in July 1967, in Montreal, Canada.