Officer of the Order of the British Empire - Signals Recipients

The Officer of the Order of the British Empire has been awarded to the following 27 Signals personnel.^[1]

Name	Award Era	Award Date	Citation
LCol F.A. Burgess	WW2	8 June 1944	This officer served in the RC Signals (NP) from 1922 to 1939 when he joined 1 Cdn Corps Sigs (CASF) on 2 Sep 39. He came overseas with that unit on 4 Sep 40. He remained with 1 Cdn Corps Sigs until 27 Jan 42 when he was posted to No 1 C.S.R.U to take command of a Training Wing of the latter unit. On mobilizations of First Cdn Army Signals he was posted to that unit as Commanding Officer on 11 Apr 42.</br></br>This officer performed outstanding service in the mobilization and training of First Cdn Army Signals. It is a very large and complex unit and to bring it to its present standard of efficiency has entailed not only drive and enthusiasm on the part of the CO, but long hours of hard and, at times, disappointing work. Lt-Col Burgess has risen above all his obstacles and produced a good unit. It is felt that he is not only an example to his own officers but to CO’s of all Cdn Signal Units.
LCol J.D Conover, MC, ED	WW2	1 January 1944
LCol H.B. Dean, ED	WW2	17 March 1945	As the senior staff officer to the Chief Signal Officer, First Cdn Army, Lt-Col Dean was largely responsible for the Signal planning at the outbreak of the present campaign. His painstaking and very thorough method of approach to all problems is a splendid example to all other officers of his staff. His patience during trying time and his cheerfulness under difficulties has contributed greatly to developing a good relationship with all branches of the staff and to the prompt and loyal support received from all Signal units. Lt-Col Dean is an outstanding officer who gives just that little extra to all he undertakes which ensures success and provides an example to all who work with him.
Col E. Forde, DSO, VD	WW2	13 June 1946	The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to and promotions in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:
Col F.F. Fulton	WW2	1 January 1943	This officer has served continuously at C.M.H.Q. since December 1930, and has made important contributions to the development of Radio Location equipment both in the United Kingdom and in Canada. Under the direction of Lt-Gen McNaughton he organized and training the first Radio Location Unit, and provided the War Office with useful information regarding that type of unit. He also assisted in the development in Canada of wireless and other signals equipment by the Liaison which he established and maintained with the various British technical organizations. More recently he has established a comprehensive system of technical liaison between the development organizations in Canada and in the United Kingdom. The value of this work will become more evident during the next few months. This officer has outstanding ability and technical knowledge, and has applied them most energetically and successfully to the problems to be met in a scientific war.
Col R.A.H. Galbraith	WW2	13 June 1946	The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to and promotions in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:
LCol A.R. Gourley	WW2	1 January 1946
Maj D. Grant	WW2	22 September 1945	Maj Grant has commanded 4 Squadron 4 Cdn Armd Div Signals for two years. Due to his untiring efforts prior to embarking for this theatre of operations, all his signal personnel reached a high standard of training and all necessary equipments were obtained. By his foresight and diligent efforts the communications within the Bde functioned smoothly and efficiently from its first action. During the Caen-Falaise drive in Aug 44, the Bde HQ, was constantly under mortar and shell fire. This officer, with an utter disregard for personal safety, went about from one signals vehicle to another assisting and encouraging his men. As a result of his splendid example no man ever deserted his set to seek cover no matter how intense the enemy fire became. Maj Grant’s task has been one of constant vigilance. Throughout all the Bde’s swift moving operations he has always ensured that all channels of communications gave the utmost service. Line has been lain under hazardous conditions. On innumerable occasions he has made personal reconnaissance when cable routes were reported too dangerous to be laid. The cable was always installed. On the 24 Feb 45, when preparations were being made for the assault upon the Hochwald Forest, it was of prime importance that communications with the eight units under command, as well as the supporting arms, be excellent. By brilliant planning and skilful use of the slender resources at his command he provided a system of communications both by line and wireless. Often the lines were destroyed by the movement of heavy tanks. In all instances alternate lines had been laid and there was not even a momentary pause in essential traffic. The planning, personal example and cheerful willingness of this officer have enabled him to get the maximum effort and efficiency from his men and equipment. The splendid communications provided for this Armd Bde have undoubtedly contributed to its success and are a direct result of the great devotion to duty of this officer.
LCol B.W.G. Grover, ED	WW2	2 June 1943	This officer came overseas with First Cdn Div Sigs in December 1939. After a period as a Company officer he became adjutant of the unit. In January 1941 he was appointed Assistant C.S.O. in 1 Cdn Corps, and in April 1942 became G. 1 Signals, First Cdn Army. Lt-Col Gorver (sic) possesses outstanding organizing and directive ability. Perhaps more than any other officer in R.C. Signals he has been responsible for the successful expansion of Cdn Signals from the small organization of a Div Signgls (sic) to the present communication service of the Army. He has given long hours of tedious and arduous work without showing the least sign of fatigue or loss of keenness. All commanding officers and all staff officers with whom he works express their confidence in him and value his advice. It is true to say that he had made an outstanding contribution to the work of his Corps and the Cdn Army as a whole.
Maj H.L. Hurdle	WW2	24 August 1944	As Officer Commanding 1 Cdn Armd Bde Sigs, Major Hurdle developed the fundamental practices of infantry-tank communications used so effectively through the Italian campaign. His innovations in this field have become standard practice and drill carried out by the Bde. His great technical knowledge, ability and initiative were towers of strength during critical periods in operations. At no time during the campaign did communications falter, with the direct result that contact was maintained always, even under difficult and trying conditions, with the most forward of tank forces. Under his supervision every variety of wireless combination was used with success to fit varying phases of operations. The untiring efforts of this officer contributed directly to the successes won in this period by the Bde.
Col B. Lake, ED	WW2	1 January 1946
Col W.L. Laurie	WW2	13 June 1946	The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to and promotions in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:
Col S.A. Lee, MC	WW2	13 June 1946	The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, to give orders for the following appointments to and promotions in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:
LCol G.C. Leech	WW2	15 December 1945	Lieut-Colonel George Clarence LEECH since his appointment on 16 Jan 45 as CR Sigs and to command 3 Cdn Inf Div Sigs has performed outstanding service to this formation. His foresight, his planning and his untiring persistence in the execution of these plans has at all times and under all conditions provided this formation with good and reliable intercommunications. Throughout the difficult period from the breakout from the Nijmegen area through the Siegfried Line, through the Hockwald Forest, the crossing of the river Rhine, the rapid advance through Holland along the river IJSSEL and until the unconditional surrender of the German Armed Forces on this Division's front all commanders - Divisional, Brigade and Battalion - had full confidence in their Signal communications. This unrestricted confidence was due to the frequent personal visits of Lt-Col LEECH to brigades and battalions in action so that he could see for himself the problems and make suggestions and/or give instructions for the overcoming of same. His work, his leadership and his untiring efforts to provide intercommunication within this Division has enabled the Divisional Commander at all time to exercise full control of all elements under his command and in this way Lt-Col LEECH has contributed much to the many successes that this Division has enjoyed. [3rd Canadian Infantry Divisional Signals]
Col F.G. Malloch, MC, VD	WW2	5 January 1946
LCol V.S.C. McClenaghan, MC, ED	WW2	4 May 1944
LCol K.G. McCullagh	WW2	12 July 1945	Lt-Col McCullagh served for 3 yrs & 8 mos in the C.E.F. during the last was and joined the RC Sigs (PF) on 10 Jun 24, in which he has served continuously to date. He successfully held several service and staff appointments prior to being appointed to command First Cdn Army Sigs on 31 Jan 44. Since assuming command, Lt-Col McCullagh has performed his duties in a most excellent manner. The unit is one of the largest and most difficult Lt-Col’s command in an active theatre and it is chiefly due to the drive and energy displayed by this officer and the example he has set by his untiring devotion to duty that he communications for First Cdn Army under, at times, many trying and adverse conditions, have been established and maintained. His personality and powers of leadership leave nothing to be desired, and have made themselves particularly felt during recent months when the Army has been operating over a very expensive front.
Capt W.H. McMurray	WW1	3 June 1919	Awarded on the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday with no citation.
LCol H.A. Millen	WW2	4 May 1944
LCol J.T. North, ED	WW2	1 February 1945	This offr has comd 2 Cdn Corps Sigs throughout the campaign in France and has accordingly had considerable responsibility for the est and maint of comms wothin this fmn. During this period comms have been est and kept open with uniform success notwithstanding the difficulties inherent in any campaign, and in particular operations of a mobile nature such as have characterized the more recent stages of the battle of France. This achievement has been in no small measure due to the leadership of Lt-Col North who, by the application of his technical knowledge and experience and by the force of his example has spurred an already efficient unit to the accomplishment of many difficult tasks. This was particularly apparent in the battle for Caen where his unit was called upon under most difficult conditions to provide comms for an exceptional number of fmns. The flexibility, adaptability and efficiency shown in this as in other operations has contributed substantially to the success of the campaign.
LCol F.N. Ovens	WW2	1 February 1945	This officer has shown great energy and application in the performance of his duties in connection with the performance of his duties in connection with the preparation and organization of reinforcements for the Assault as Officer in Charge of reinforcements and statistics at Cdn Sec GHQ 2nd Echelon. He has shown good judgement in the many decisions he was required to make when thrown upon his own resources during the work of the Advanced Reinforcement Section in Normandy and at all times maintained excellent relations with Officers of other Headquarters he was constantly called upon to deal with.
LCol C.A. Peck, MBE	WW2	15 December 1945	Lieutenant-Colonel Peck has held the Appointment of Commander Royal Signals Second Canadian Infantry Division since 14 February 1945, prior to which time he served with distinction in the Central Mediterranean Theatre. He has commanded the Signals fo Second Candian Infantry Division throughout the advances leading to Xanten, to Groningen, and to Oldenburg. During the period of these advances, the Divisional Signals were required to meet widely varying demands of hard-hitting attacks on limited objectives and of rapid movements following a break-through. Despite enemy shelling and mortaring, appalling weather and ground conditions, intercommunication was maintained throughout, often over distances beyond the normally recognized limits of Divisional Signals resources. This record is a splendid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Peck’s ability quickly to appreciate the demands of new circumstances, rapidly to issue orders, and to superintend their execution. His cheeriness, soundness of judgement and zeal have earned him the regard and respect of all ranks under his command, and of the Divisional Staff. He has contributed greatly to the success of this Division’s operations.
LCol W.P. Shirreff	WW2	12 July 1945	Lt-Col Shirreff has displayed outstanding qualities as a comd, and great ability and energy in performing the functions of C R Sigs of this fmn throughout the whole period of it's ops in NW EUROPE. Owing to long rapid advs, constantly changing deployment and regrouping of the div, the problem of maintaining comns has, at all times, been extremely onerous. Due very largely to his untiring efforts and the keenly able and versatile mind, which he has devoted to the countless difficult and at times wholly unpredictable problems which arose, this fmn has invariably been able to operate without concern for that fundamental essential of successful ops, good comns. During the latter part of Oct and the early part of Nov 44, 4 Cdn Armd Div was given the difficult task of clearing the area NE of ANTWERP to STEENBERGEN. The enemy had ample opportunity to mine and booby trap all likely lines of adv and lateral routes. Lt-Col Shirreff's keen foresight and ingenious planning resulted in the maintenance, at all times, of good fwd and lateral comns, despite the constant changes of plan which became necessary. He has, at all times, insisted upon the highest standard of technical efficiency and soldierly conduct of the offrs and ORs under his comd. Due greatly to his own personal example and ability to draw from all whom he comds the very best of service, the sigs of this fmn have won the greatest respect and confidence of all comds of the div. Lt-Col Shirreff exemplifies the very highest tradition of service of his Corps. It can be truly said of him that he has contributed greatly to the success of this fmn's ops. [4th Canadian Armoured Divisional Signals]
Col A.R. St. Louis	WW2	8 June 1944
Col C.P. Stacey	WW2	1 January 1946
Col H.R. Tyner, MC, VD	WW2	14 June 1945	Col. Tyner has served continuously in the Cdn Army since 1914. He served in France and Germany during the last was and in N.P.A.M., Canada, to the outbreak of the present war. He arrived in England in June, 1940, with the rank of Major and from October, 1940, he has commanded No. 1 Cdn Signals Rft Unit. He has shown marked ability as an administrator and trainer of troops and his unit has always been commended by various inspecting officers from time to time. Col. Tyner has, by his zeal and energy, made a distinct contribution to the efficiency of the Canadian Army Overseas. This is the second recommendation for a decoration put forward on behalf of Col. Tyner.
LCol W.D. Wishart	WW2	15 December 1945