Canada, Commonwealth. A Second War Memorial Cross to Gunner Edward Kutz, Died 1944

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse machine engraved A.33151 Gnr. E. KUTZ, with 6 o’clock arm marked LACKIE and STERLING, with privately made crown suspension (also marked STERLING), with horizontal pin, dark patina, light wear, very fine condition. 

Contained in the original case of issue, black leatherette exterior with silk and velvet interior, functional hinge creating a crisp seal, light wear, very fine condition. 

Footnote: Edward Louis Kutz was born on March 9, 1911 in Bruce County, Ontario. He began serving in 1939 as a Gunner with the 97th Battery. His death, on July 12, 1944, was deemed an accident.  He served with the 7th Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery at the time of his death.  

Reports regarding witnesses of his death state: 

“On 12 July 44 at about 1235 hrs, I was walking from the cook truck to the vehicle in which I was riding. I had noticed a stick marking the position of some object which resembled a 2” mortar bomb. I saw A33151 Gnr Kutz E.L. standing about 60 yds ahead of me. Gne Kutz appeared to have some object in his hands and I heard BSM Grabill tell Gnr Kutz to put the object down as if it was a live mortar bomb. Gnr Kutz tossed the object to one side and there was an immediate explosion.” 
Gnr Zeufle E.C., 12 Cdn Med Bty. 

“On stopping, I noticed Gnr Kutz with what appeared to be a live mortar bomb in his hands. I told him “put it down”. As I was bending over to the ground, I looked at Gnr Kutz and at that moment he tossed the bomb aside and I ducked to the ground. There was an explosion and when I looked up, Gnr Kutz was lying on the ground. I saw two other men lying on the ground but did not find out until later that they were L/Bdr Spencer and Gnr Zeufle.”
BSM Grabill, J.D.C. 45th Cdn Med Bty.