Commander of the Order of the British Empire - Signals Recipients

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The Commander of the Order of the British Empire has been awarded to the following 10 Signals personnel.[1]

Name Award Era Award Date Citation Citation Image(s)
Brig A.W. Beament, VD
WW2
1 January 1944
This officer, after service in the last war, and subsequently in the Non-Permanent Active Militia, proceeded overseas early in 1940 as D.A.A.G., at C.M.H.Q., becoming A.A.G., there in September of the same year. In February, 1941, he was appointed to command “B” Group, Canadian Reinforcement Units, and in the following July returned to C.M.H.Q., as the D.A.G., which post he presently holds.

Throughout his overseas service he has displayed exceptional ability in organization and has also, in the opinion of the Senior Officer at C.M.H.Q., and myself, made a most important contribution to the formulation of sound policy, in all Adjutant-General’s business in the Canadian Army. His surveys on the ground preceding the move of Canadian troops to Africa, and recently in Sicily and Italy, were most capably made, have resulted in excellent arrangements, and been most helpful to all concerned. Altogether he has, throughout, given loyal, efficient and outstanding service.
Beament, Arthur Warwick citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Beament, Arthur Warwick citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig S.F. Clark
WW2
17 March 1945
During recent operations Brig Clark has distinguished himself by the capable manner in which he has handled all communications problems within 2 Cdn Corps. Although signal resources have many times been under considerable strain, as a result of the rapid advance and the extensive front on which operations were conducted, this officer has never spared himself in his efforts to ensure that communications were maintained a high standard of efficiency. Under the most difficult conditions he has given service far beyond the normal requirements of his duties.

Since May 43, through all phases of preliminary training, planning for operations and operations the standard of efficiency maintained by the signals units of this Corps is attributable to his outstanding work as CSO. [CSO 2 Canadian Corps]
Clark, Samuel Findlay citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Clark, Samuel Findlay citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig P.E. Earnshaw, DSO, MC
WW2
13 June 1946
Brig J.E. Genet, MC
WW2
2 June 1943
This officer was appointed to command 1 Canadian Div Signals on mobilization and proceeded overseas with his unit in the fall of 39. He was appointed C.S.O. , 7 Corps, on formation and subsequently became C.S.O. Cdn Corps, and, in April 42, C.S.O., First Cdn Army, the post he at present holds. Throughout he has been the Senior Signals Officer in the U.K. and personally responsible for the organization, administration and development of the Canadian Army’s communication system overseas. He has discharged his duties with every skill and efficiency and the satisfactory state of organization, training and discipline of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Overseas is, in a large measure, due to this officer’s zeal and ability. He has been unsparing in his efforts to bring R.C. Signals to the highest degree of efficiency and his enthusiastic leadership and determination had been an inspiration and example to his officers and men. [CSO First Canadian Army]
Genet, John Ernest citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Genet, John Ernest citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig W.H.S. Macklin
WW2
1 January 1945
Brigadier Macklin, a member of the Permanent Active Militia, proceeded Overseas in July 1940 as GSO II Ops 2 Cdn Div where he rendered most excellent service. In November 1940 he was appointed AA&QMG Canadian Base Units and there made a definite contribution. He returned to Canada in Jun 1941 and during his tour of duty there held the appointment of DSD, DAG, NDHQ; Brigadier i/c Admin and then BGS Pacific Command. On 9 Feb 44 he was appointed to command 13 Cdn Inf Bde and proceeded to the United Kingdom with it in May 1944. In these appointments he has consistently rendered most meritorious service.

As Brigadier i/c Admin Pacific Command he was responsible for the working put and execution of administrative plans in connection with the reorganization, movement and re-equpment of the 13 Cdn Inf Bde as part of the US Task Force for the capture of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands. This very difficult undertaking of re-organization on US lines and re-equipment with US equipment and shipment by sea was dine in an exceptional manner in a limited time. The excellent work of this officer was a major factor in the success of the Canadian Brigade in the operation.
Macklin, Wilfred Harold Stephenson citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Macklin, Wilfred Harold Stephenson citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig C.S. McKee, ED
WW2
13 September 1945
Brigadier C.S. McKee has been Chief Signal Officer of 1st Canadian Corps for a period of two years. During this time he prepared his units in organization and by training for active operations. For the past year the Corps has taken part in operations varying from the static front North of Ortona to the breaking and exploitation through the Hitler and Gothic Lines.

By careful planning and close supervision, Brigadier McKee ensured that the best use was always made of resources available to him. He made frequent reconnaissances of the forward areas to check Corps cable construction and to satisfy himself that communications within forward units were satisfactory.

This last year, spent in the Italian Campaign completed 32 years faithful service in the Canadian Militia – 9 of which have been on active service overseas.
McKee, Clarence Sparks citation CBE (page 1).jpg

McKee, Clarence Sparks citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig H.E. Taber
WW2
1 January 1946
Brig E.G. Weeks, MC, MM
WW2
30 December 1944
Brigadier WEEKS, as Officer IC Cdn Sec GHQ 1 Ech, is the Canadian Representative at HQ Allied Armies in Italy, which important duty he has fulfilled ably and well. He also commands and controls all Canadian troops and establishements in this theatre not comprised within 1 Cdn Corps. By his unflagging efforts and example, Brigadier WEEKS has created a very high standard of efficiency throughout all Canadian Base and Line of Communication untis. He has greatly improved the reinforcement organization thereby contributing to the success of operations. He has spared no thought or pains in promoting the welfare of Canadian force in this theatre in particular by improving the mail service and recreational facilities. In the present war Brigadier WEEKS has held the important positions of ADAG CHMQ, and DCGS NDHQ. In both these appointment he rendered outstanding service. Throughout his service, his kindliness, sincerity, devotion to duty and soldierly spirit have been an inspiration and source of strength to those serving with him. [Canadian Section, GHQ 1 Ech (AAI)]
Weeks, Ernest Geoffrey citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Weeks, Ernest Geoffrey citation CBE (page 2).jpg
Brig A.E. Wrinch
WW2
29 September 1945
An officer possessed of outstanding technical knowledge, Brigadier Wrinch, the Chief Signal Officer, has made a valuable contribution to the functioning of 1st Canadian Corps. Having a wealth of practical experience, including command of both Divisional and Corps Signals units, Brigadier Wrinch has been able to ensure a high standard of communications throughout the difficult battles in the Lago Comacchio region, in spite of conditions of weather and ground which were encountered.

His officers and men, respecting the knowledge and leadership of this officer, have striven to attain the high ideals of efficient signals communications set by him with a great measure of success.

The cheerful and effective way with which this officer tackles any problem, lare or small, his enthusiasm and eager determination to effect every possible improvement, sets Brigadier Wrinch apart as one worthy of the highest possible praise and well worthy of any recognition he may receive.
Wrinch, Arthur Egbert citation CBE (page 1).jpg

Wrinch, Arthur Egbert citation CBE (page 2).jpg
MGen H.A. Young, DSO
WW2
14 June 1945

References

  1. Data compiled from multiple sources including The London Gazette, Library and Archives Canada, History of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals 1903-1961 and Semaphore to Satellite