THE HEADSTONE OVER THE GRAVE OF CAPTAIN GEORGE MCKEAN VC MC MM, 14TH BN ( ROYAL MONTREAL REGIMENT ) CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, HAS BEEN CLEANED AND REFURBISHED IN THE EXTRA-MURAL CEMETERY, LEWES ROAD, BRIGHTON. |
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18 January 2022 |
George McKean was one of Canada's most highly decorated soldiers of the First World War. Following his death in 1926 he was buried in Brighton's Extra-Mural Cemetery with a CWGC style headstone marking his grave. The stone has now been brought back to its original state by a cleaning process carried out by local man Steve Davies. |
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George McKean's headstone: before and after |
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For the award of the Victoria Cross. [ London Gazette, 28 June 1918 ], Gavrelle, France, 27-28 April 1918, Lieutenant George Burdon McKean, 14th Bn ( Royal Montreal Regiment ), CEF.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's trenches. ( Gavrelle Sector, France ) Lieutenant McKean's party, which was operating on the right flank, was held up at a block in the communication trench by most intense fire from hand grenades and machine guns. This block, which was too close to our trenches to have been engaged by the preliminary bombardment, was well protected by wire and covered by a well protected machine gun 30 yards behind it. George McKean was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 17th July 1918. ![]() For the award of the Military Medal [ London Gazette, 26 April 1917 ], Nr Lens, France, March 1917, Private George Burdon McKean, 14th Bn ( Royal Montreal Regiment ), CEF.
Private George McKean led scouting patrols at Bully-Grenay where he was wounded.
For the award of the Military Cross [ London Gazette, 1 February 1919 ], Nr Cagnicourt, France, 1st / 2nd September 1918, Lieutenant George Burdon McKean, 14th Bn ( Royal Montreal Regiment ), CEF.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack near Cagnicourt, on September 1st / 2nd, 1918. As a scout officer during two days' heavy fighting, he with his scouts led the battalion forward and sent in accurate reports, and rallied men who had lost their officers. |
Iain Stewart, 18 January 2022