Member of the Order of the British Empire - Signals Recipients

The Member of the Order of the British Empire has been awarded to the following 63 Signals personnel.^[1]

Name	Award Era	Award Date	Citation
Maj P.E. Amyot	WW2	13 September 1945	Reference Map Italy 1/100,000 Sheets 100 Forli, 89 Ravenna Major Paul Emile Amyot has served with 1 Canadian Divisional Signals since July 1941. He was promoted to command 3 Company in July 1944. In this capacity he was responsible for the efficient organization and functioning of Infantry Brigade, Battalion, Engineer and Armoured Car Regiment communications during the break-through of the Gothic Line, the crossing of the Savio and the advance to the Senio River. These tasks he discharged with conspicuous success. Under difficult conditions and often under heavy shell and mortar fire Major Amyot has personally delivered signals stores urgently required by forward signals units, enabling a maximum scale of communications to be provided at all times. He has reorganized much of the work in Infantry Brigade Sections and introduced new ideas which have improved communications and facilitated speedy restoration of damaged circuits. For example during the crossing of the Savio and later the crossing of the Lamone, when difficult crossing conditions made other means impossible, a PIAT bomb was used to throw lines across these rivers. The example and cheerfulness of this officer have been a source of inspiration to his men and his personal leadership has been largely responsible for the highly efficient state of communications prevailing with the sections under his command.
Maj J.W. Anderson	WW2	12 July 1945	This officer served for a period of four yrs in the RC Sigs (NP) prior to joining CASF on 2 Sep 39. He was appointed to command No 1 Cdn SW Sec in Dec 40, bringing that unit overseas in Dec 41. He organized and trained 3 Cdn SW and has commanded that unit since its inception in June 43. Major Anderson has at all times displayed zeal and keenness in the performance of his duties. It is to a large degree through his efforts and organizational ability that the interception of enemy wireless information has proved so successful and greatly contributed to the enemy intelligence information amassed by First Cdn Army. He is an excellent officer, admired and respected by officers and men alike. The unremitting attention to duty displayed by this officer has led to increasingly important results and in the last few months in particular, he and his unit have rendered outstanding service.
Maj G.C. Baker	WW2	22 September 1945	This officer was appointed to a commission on 1 Nov 39 and came overseas in Sep 40, after which he served successively and successfully with Sigs 1 Cdn Corps and Sigs First Cdn Army prior to joining the staff of the CSO HQ First Cdn Army on 12 Mar 44 as SO.II (Wireless) As the senior adviser on wireless maters to the Chief Signal Officer First Cdn Army, Major Baker was largely responsible for the wireless planning at the outset of, and communications throughout the present campaign. His cheerfulness, loyalty and capacity for continuous hard work are an inspiration to all with whom he comes in contact. The excellent wireless communications maintained under extended and trying conditions since ‘D’ Day and particularly so during operations of the last three months are due solely to the energy and initiative displayed by this officer.
Maj E.D. Baldock	WW2	14 June 1945
A/Capt J.G. Becker	WW2	12 July 1945	The number and complexity of communication equipments in 2 Canadian Corps Troops has greatly increased without any increase in technical maintenance personnel. To meet the consequent demand upon his personnel and facilities, Captain Becker as Technical Maintenance Officer, has been required to display an extraordinary degree of resourcefulness and organizing ability. His success is proven by the report of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers following their inspection of this unit’s signal stores during November and December 1944. In spite of the rapid movement and heavy duty experienced during the advance through France, Belgium, and Holland, the report read “Excellent”. This high standard was maintained only by exceptional devotion to duty on the part of Captain Becker. In addition to this great increase in his normal duties, Captain Becker has, at the same time, contributed a number of improvements to signals equipment and its employment. In particular, during November and December 1944 and January 1945 he has adapted line terminal equipment of Continental manufacture to the requirements of a new type military terminal equipment vehicle which also is largely of his design. The design, collection of material, and equipping of these vehicles has required intensive study and particularly resourceful improvisation. Speed of completion has been of paramount importance and the employment of civilians of limited skill and partial understanding has been necessary. The excellent progress of the work during the last three months has been due entirely to the unfailing efforts of Captain Becker, coupled with his outstanding ability as a technician and a workshop leader. In addition to other duties, immediately prior to the assault from the sea on Walcheren Island 1 November 1944, Captain Becker installed wireless equipments in thirty-one weasels and LVTs and repaired some sixty wireless sets brought to his shop by 4 Commando Brigade.
Maj A.G. Brenneman	WW2	15 December 1945	This officer, on the capacity of Second-in-Command, has rendered invaluable service to his unit, by his untiring efforts to ensure at all times that not only the administrative operation of the unit, but the basic function of providing rapid and accurate intercommunications, continued at maximum efficiency with smooth operation and minimum delay. He is extremely alert and his loyalty, coupled with his drive and initiative, make him invaluable to the unit. This unit is one of the largest in the Canadian Army and many times throughout the campaign it has been extended and required to maintain communications over hundreds of miles. It is largely due to the co-ordinating efforts and energetic perseverance of Major Brenneman that communications were maintained under trying conditions. This was particularly noticeable during recent operations.
Maj P.F. Burgoyne	WW2	15 December 1945	Major Burgoyne, Sigs 2 Cd Armd Bde, landed in France in July 44 with 4 Cdn Armd Bde, and joined this formation 18 Dec 44. He has proven himself an aggressive and imaginative signal officer. His personal attention to all matters relative to communications has solved many difficult problems. Due to the widely dispersed employment of armoured regiments peculiar to an independent armoured brigade, the difficulties of maintaining communications from regiments to brigade Headquarters have been very great. On occasions, such as late in April 45, the brigade was dispersed over approximately 100 miles. Regardless of this Major Burgoyne insisted that communications be kept open, and only through his personal drive and initiative was this accomplished. He is an expert leader of men, and through his example and hard work, brought the best from his officers, NCOs, and men. The excellent signal service of this formation is largely due to the untiring efforts of Major Burgoyne. His service is worthy of highest praise and commendation.
Maj A.J. Cahill	WW2	1 February 1945	This offr has been in comd of 1 Cdn Air Support Control Signal Unit both prior to and during the present operations in France. His unit is a most important communication link both for air support control and the rapid passing of intelligence. Since the beginning of the present campaign, this unit has functioned with great efficiency thus facilitating and indeed, making possible the very marked success of the air support control of the Cdn Army. This efficiency is directly attributable to the organizing and planning ability of this offr and to the leadership which he has given both in the developmental stage and in actual operations.
Maj J.M. Catto, ED	WW2	15 December 1945
Lt R.M. Caza	WW2	30 June 1945
Maj A.M. Clark, ED	WW2	17 March 1945	This Officer while serving with First Cdn Army Signals has contributed in no small measure to the provision of a successful Army System of intercommunication during the past three months. In the course of his duty in establishing line communications, he has devoted long and tiring hours to early reconnaissance, provision, maintenance and improvement of circuits to ensure that these would be readily available when required. The continued energy and enthusiasm displayed, often under most adverse conditions, would be creditable to a man many years younger than Major Clark. The success of Canadian Army line communication has been due largely to his persistent efforts and the splendid sense of loyalty and perseverance he has been able to engender in both officers and men under his command.
Capt J.R. Connell, CD	Korea	6 June 1953	Captain Connell has carried out the duties of Signal Officer to 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade since April 1952. He has organized the brigade communications under difficult and unusual conditions of static defence. The fact that there has been no lapse in the communications within the brigade and its supporting arms during his tour of command of the signal troop is due largely to his technical ability and the hard work he has done. He quickly gained experience and at every opportunity has encouraged and advised the Battalion Signal Officers without regard to the inconvenience to himself. At the same time, he has shown an outstanding spirit of cooperation in integrating his troop within the Divisional Signal Regiment, working in the closest harmony with officers and men whose technical methods were frequently different from those to which he was accustomed. He has gone out of his way to offer the benefit of his opinion, technical knowledge and of his resources where they could be of advantage to the division as a whole. His hard work and devotion to duty, and especially his spirit of cooperation which has done so much to make the divisional communications effective, are worthy of special recognition.
Maj M.I. Coombes	WW2	1 January 1946
Capt A.T. Curliss	WW2	15 December 1945	Lieutenant Arthur Thornfloe CURLISS commanded "A" Section 1 Canadian Infantry Division Signals from October 1944 until May 1945. In this capacity he was responsible for the wireless communicaiton from Main Divisional Headquarters to the Brigades and Reconnissance Regiments, flanking Divisions and to 1 Canadian Corps Headquarters. During this period his organization, inititiave and continuous supervision, many time for twenty-four hours a day, resulted in the highest standard of wireless communications. Due to the high casualty rate of wireless operators he organized throughout this time a continuous training programme in order to maintain the excellent standard of operating and the maintenance of Signal equipment. The administration of "A" Section was carried out with meticulous care and painstaking devotion to duty. The care of his men was an example to all officers and resulted in a high standard of morale and the cheerful acceptance of the long hours of continuous duty. During the landing in SICILY, the advance through ITALY, and the engagemnts in HOLLAND his work has been of an outstanding character. Not only has he shown exceptional ability in his administrative duties but during battle his fine example of courage and hard work has been an inspiration to all those working with him.
Maj J.H.W. Currie	WW2	1 January 1946
Maj T.P. Davidson	WW2	13 June 1946
Lt C.E. Doeringer	WW2	12 July 1945	27 Nov 44 and 9 Dec 44 – Antwerp. On 27 Nov at 1030 Antwerp Trunk Telephone Exchange was put out of commission and on 9 Dec at 1530 British Port Telephone Exchange was destroyed, both by enemy action. On the first occasion this officer was twice cut by flying glass and insisted on supervising the work of restoration until finally instructed to get medical attention. On both occasions the calm steady manner in which he organized the work and the diligence he displayed were the chief inspiration to the men. To him must be given the main credit for the successful restoration of telephone service by the installation of alternative switchboards in new locations in a few hours.
Maj J.D. Duncan	WW2	30 December 1944	During the period 1 Jan – 30 Apr 44, Corps HQ moved from Sicily to Italy and was at four widely separated locations in Italy. Due to these moves and the administrative and tactical situation, HQ was at times separated from the Canadian divisions and Cdn Sec GHQ 1 Ech by unusually long distances and difficult terrain, which made the establishment and maintenance of communications exceedingly difficult. Major Duncan, by the force of his personality and leadership, kept the highest degree of co-operation as regards communications between all branches of the staff at Corps HQ. By the same means and by his spirit of co-operation and his outstanding technical knowledge he maintained a particularly satisfactory and useful liaison with the CSOs’ Branches at AAI, Eighth Army, No. 2 District and the British Corps which 1 Cdn Corps was relieving or by which it was being relieved r with which it was cooperating in the matter of communications. The result of his efforts was that the communications difficulties were overcome, which, if they had remained, might seriously have impaired the operation of Corps HQ. This applies particularly to obtaining and to working out technical problems, such as complicated routing and the use of carrier equipment, in connection with trunk circuits controlled other formations. Such circuits were very scarce but due to Major Duncan’s efforts 1 Cdn Corps throughout obtained a fair share of them and had satisfactory arrangements, His example and tireless energy during long hours have been an inspiration to all ranks in Signals.
Maj W.H. Finch	WW2	1 February 1945	This brilliant young officer was responsible for the frequency allotment for not only the 21 Army Group, but for all the American Army and the A.E.A.F. (British and American) and the Navies. The system employed was devised and worked out by him and his assistant. The problem was a very difficult one and absolutely vital to the success of “Overloard”. It has proved an unqualified success and been praised by all users. Further, this officer had dealt with all the other many W/T problems with untiring zeal and complete loyalty working very long hours for many months without any thought for personal comfort or health. An M.B.E. is the minimum award he deserved.
Capt E.G. Fraser	WW2	15 December 1945	Major E G Fraser, RCCS, joined HQ 21 Army Gp in May 1944. His zeal and devotion to duty has consistently been of a very high standard. He has maintained very good liaison with other arms of service, and in particular with Ordnance personnel who, jointly with Signal Parks, handle SOCR. In doing so he built up an excellent team spirit and also inspired those concerned to great efforts which resulted in vital Signal eqpt reaching the forward areas when it often seemed that this was impossible. He recently exceeded his normal duties of obtaining much valuable and detailed information concerning the latest methods of manufacture of German co-axial submarine cable which were of great value to D Signals and the GPO. The value of this information was such that two experts in cable manufacture are visiting the firm concerned to collect further technical details. This first class Canadian officer is strongly recommended for award of the MBE.
Maj S.E. Frederick	WW2	14 June 1945
Maj D.H. George, MC, CD	Korea	2 August 1952	Major George was Officer Commander, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals from the mobilization of 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade in August 1950 until November 1951, when he assumed the appointment of Brigade Major. As Officer commanding 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, Major George organized and trained the signal squadron so swiftly that the squadron was able to take part in all exercises and provide operations during the early part of the training period. In operations the communications of the Brigade have been outstanding due to his efforts. In fact, the communications of the Brigade have received very favourable comments from both British and United States Army formations. As Brigade Major, Major George has tirelessly carried out that function. He has developed new means of controlling air strikes and performed the staff work during several heavy battles. This officer's endless energy, determination, devotion to duty and intelligence has contributed largely to the successful operation of the Brigade.
Capt R.S. Grant	WW2	15 December 1945	1. The valuable intelligence obtained through the interception of enemy wireless traffic by 2 Canadian Special Wireless Section throughout the entire period of the European Campaign was due to the outstanding manner in which its commander, Captain Robert Stuart Grant, carried out his duties. 2. Throughout the campaign Captain Grant was tireless in his reconnaissance for sites which would produce the greatest amount of information. By bold and skillful deployment of his resources, together with his outstanding technical handling and keen leadership, this officer made a most valuable contribution to operations.
WO2 L. Griffiths	WW2	15 December 1945	Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant Griffiths has served as Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant with this unit during the entire period of action in North West Europe. His detailed knowledge of the unit’s stores and of the complicated system necessary to ensure a constant supply to widely scattered sections, has been of inestimable value throughout the campaign. The efficient handling of stores ranging from highly technical equipment to the simplest necessaries demands considerable ability and the capacity for great painstaking. Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant Griffiths has consistently demonstrated these qualities to the highest degree. His devotion to duty has been of most substantial value to his unit, and consequently to all those units for whom Second Canadian Divisional Signals has furnished communications of any sort.
WO1 G.A. Griffiths	WW2	12 July 1945	Sgt.Major Griffiths became Superintending Clerk of GC Branch, 2 Cdn Corps, just prior to it coming to France and has retained the appointment to the present time. During that period he carried out those exacting duties in a highly satisfactory manner, ensuring that the clerical work and office organization in the GS Branch were always efficient and able to meet the sudden and heavy demands entailed in operations of the Corps during that period. In addition to his office duties, Sgt Major Griffiths has taken a genuine interest in ensuring the well-being of his subordinates. There is no doubt that his good work and example directly contributed to the successful operations of 2 Cdn Corps.
Lt H.B. Henderson	WW2	15 December 1945
Capt W.J. Henderson	WW2	15 December 1945	During March 1945 a Civil Affairs Branch was formed as an increment ot HQ 1 Cdn Corps. This branch assumed full responsibility for the civil administration and reorganization of the Dutch province of GELDERLAND, and subsequently for the provinces of NORTH & SOUTH HOLLAND & UTRECHT. The necessity for reconstituting civil courts of law throughout these areas became of vital importance shortly after the branch became operational, and it devloped as a matter of great urgency that the reorganization take place without delay. A/Capt W.J. Henderson, working entirely without aid, undertook full responsibility for the reorganization, and, by his tireless efforts and organizing ability, had the situation throughout the entire areas well under control in a comparativly short period of time. This officer, by working exceptionally long hours, personnaly directed the reconstitution of civil law courts throughout these areas. In many cases, especially in damaged areas where the existing accomodation for courts had been destroyed, he immediately made arrangements for temporary facilities and personally directed the situation until such time as the courst was able to function alone. By his enthusiasm, energy and devotion to duty this officer was largely responsible for the speedy restoration of law and order in these provinces, and his zeal was an inspiration to all he worked with, Canadian, British and Dutch alike. [HQ 1 Canadian Corps]
Capt T.S. Holmes-Mitra		30 December 2017	THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: M.B.E. To be Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: Captain Timothy Shanti HOLMES-MITRA, 30202540, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals
Capt J.W.P. Johnson	WW2	1 February 1945
Maj H.J. Keating	WW2	8 June 1944
Capt D.S. Larter	WW2	15 December 1945
Maj P.R. Layard	WW2	17 March 1945
Maj J.A.K. Leger	WW2	20 October 1945	Acting Major J A K Leger has been employed as SO Lines at HQ 21 Army Group under the CANLOAN Scheme since the early days of planning for the invation of FRANCE and subsequent operations. Throughout the whole period he has worked efficiently and enthusiastically perticularly during the arduous periods prior to the mounting of the various operations culminating in the crossing of the RHINE. He has been largely responsible for the design and provision of the very large trunk communication network which has been built up in FRANCE BELGIUM and HOLLAND for all users of all services. [CSO Branch, Main HQ 21 Army Group]
Capt F.J.J. McCauley	WW2	1 February 1945
Capt T.C. McGill	WW1	14 January 1920	Siberia: The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in Siberia. Dated 3rd June, 1919
Lt G.P. Mitchell	WW2	1 February 1945
Maj H.O. Moran	WW2	1 January 1943
Capt A.J. Morrall	WW2	1 January 1944
Capt F.E. Moynihan	WW2	2 June 1943
Capt R.G. Murray	WW2	15 December 1945	Captain MURRAY as officer commanding No. 1 Canadian Special Wireless Section, has been responsible for all intercept and direction finding of enemy wireless for 1 Canadian Corps. He was an original member of the section and has been in command since June 1943 and in no small measure has been responsible for the training and success of the section. While serving directly under the Eighth Army in Italy Captain Murray and the section received very high personal praise from the Army Commander. While in the field Captain Murray was responsible for experimentation which resulted in the first successful direction finding on very high frequencies. This was not thought technically possible and its use opened up a completely new source of information. During the crossing of the NEDER RHINE and the IJSSEL rivers the Special Wireless Section obtained very valuable information with regard to the enemy order of battle and the location of enemy headquarters. In the resulting break-through the section moved with the forward troops of 5 Canadian Armoured Division and continued to supply "G" Intelligence at Corps Headquarters with very useful information. Captain Murray, by his technical knowledge and leadership has been a credit to his Corps and has greatly contributed to the success of 1 Canadian Corps. [No. 1 Special Wireless Section Type "B"]
Maj J.A. Parker	WW2	13 June 1946
Maj C.H. Parks	WW2	1 January 1946
Maj C.A. Peck	WW2	1 February 1945
Maj F.T. Portsmouth	WW2	1 January 1945
WO1 J.C. Potts	WW2	1 January 1946
Maj F.R. Pratten	WW2	15 December 1945
Capt R.F. Riddell	WW2	13 June 1946
Lt H.F. Roche	WW2	15 December 1945
Lt D.V. Roland	WW2	13 September 1945
Maj G.M. Rolfe, DSO	WW2	15 June 1946
Lt J.S. Rolfe	WW2	15 December 1945	During the months of February and March 1945, when all the senior officers in the operating company of 2nd Canadian Corps Signals had either become casualties or had been replaced, Lieutenant Rolfe acted as Senior Signalmaster at main Headquarters 2nd Canadian Corps in addition to his normal duties as commander of an operating section. From 15 February to 13 March 1945, the signal office at main headquarters handled the greatest volume of signal traffic in the history of 2nd Canadian Corps; at one period there were eight divisions, five independent armoured brigades and four army groups Royal Artillery under command, also many smaller units. This large number of formations, together with the heavy flow of signal traffic to two army headquarters and a flanking corps imposed an extremely heavy burden on the signal office organization. The normal complement of personnel at the main signal office was considerably reduced by the formation of a tactical headquarters; nevertheless, during this period where three to four times the normal amount of signal traffic passed through the main signal office, this officer, working under continual heavy pressure, inspired his men by his cheerfulness, patience, and organizing ability, to the end that not a single message was lost or unavoidably delayed. By his initiative and devotion to duty Lieutenant Rolfe set an outstanding example and contributed materially to the successful progress of the operation of this corps.
Capt J.S. Rourke	WW2	13 September 1945
Lt A.L.J. Sirois	WW2	9 June 1945
Maj P.D. Smith	WW2	15 December 1945
Capt J.D. Smythe	WW2	15 December 1945
Maj G.E. Streb	WW2	29 September 1945
Maj H.R. Varcoe	WW2	17 March 1945
Lt M. Veilleux	WW2	23 June 1945
Capt R.A. Wagner	WW2	8 June 1944
Capt W.E. Wheeler, CD	Korea	8 November 1952	Captain Wheeler was Second-in-Command, 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron from its formation in August 1950 until it was reduced to a Signal Troop in November 1951 and since November 1951 has commanded the troop. When the Special Force Signals were being formed at Kingston, Ontario, Captain Wheeler worked very long hours instructing, planning and carrying out administrative duties concerned with organization and training. His outstanding ability, knowledge of signals and endurance, aided greatly in preparing the units in the time allotted. In Fort Lewis he was responsible for co-ordinating training and, in particular, training operators and regimental signallers. Due to his thoroughness and determination, the training was well conducted and the excellent wireless communications experienced in Korea have been a direct result. When the Commanding Officer proceeded on the Advance Party he completed the administration and move of troops. While Second-in-Command of Signals in Korea, he was responsible to ensure that all communications functioned properly or that proper action was taken to correct faulty communications while the Commanding Officer was away on reconnaissance or liaison. It was with the utmost confidence that the Commanding Officer was able to leave matters in the hands of Captain Wheeler. Since taking over command of 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade Signals, Captain has continued his excellent efforts. The communications have been outstanding to the notice of other United Nations forces in Korea. Captain Wheeler has led and inspired his men under many adverse conditions. During November 1951 when enemy artillery constantly interrupted his line communications, he worked day and night under enemy fire to keep communications working. The good communications experienced have been a direct result of Captain Wheeler's ability and leadership.
Capt B.L. Willis	WW2	1 January 1946
Maj J.D. Wilson, MC, ED	WW2	2 June 1943
Maj W.H.T. Wilson	WW2	22 September 1945	Since his appointment to this Headquarters in January 45 as SOR Sigs Major Wilson has shown outstanding ability in the aggressive and forceful manner in which he has carried out his duties. For approximately two weeks while operations to secure the Reichwald Forest were in progress without hesitating he assumed the duties and responsibilities of line communications in addition to his normal responsibilities of wireless communications and worked night and day to ensure that both jobs were carried out effectively. During the subsequent operations to gain the Hochwald Forest feature and the town of XANTEN when this Corps had, under operational control, 8 divisions, 5 armoured brigades, 4 AGRAs and the artillery of 11 Armoured Division, this officer by constant personal liaison organized wireless communications throughout the rapid regrouping with such skill and efficiency that the artillery of these various formations could be controlled on a Corps plan before line communications could be established. After the advance across the Rhine when the formations then under command were extended on a wide front and communications by line, even to Army Headquarters were not possible for many days, this officer worked tirelessly to establish wireless communications. Despite the difficulties of heavy atmospherics this officer succeeded in maintaining wireless communications by rigging special aerials on local towers. By his energy, persistence, tact and skill Major Wilson has set an outstanding example to all ranks and has made a direct contribution to the success of this Corps in recent operations. [II Canadian Corps Signals]