Military Medal (M.M.)

The Military Cross (M.C.) group of Captain CL Wood, M.C. (Click image for full group) - Photo by Sgt A Majoor. (The RCR Museum Collection.)

The Royal Canadian Regiment and
The First World War - 1914-1919

Military Cross (M.C.)

During the First World War, the Military Cross (M.C.) was awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below (acting and temporary Majors were eligible) or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. (Veterans Affairs Canada)

Authorized by Royal Warrant published in the London Gazette 1 Jan 1915.

RCR Recipients of the Military Cross (1916-1919)

The following Officers of The Royal Canadian Regiment received the Military Cross during the First World War. Recipients' names normally appeared in the London Gazette twice in association with an award of the Military Cross. The first appearance, colloquially known as being "Gazetted", identified the granting of the award. The second appearance was with the publication of the award citation. Awards granted on honours lists for the Sovereign's birthday and for New year's did not normally receive an accompanying citation.

Rank Initials Surname Date
Act. Capt. Thoburn Stephen ALLAN London Gazette 26 Jul 1917 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 26 JULY, 1917. 7643; 24 July 1917 - Lt. Thoburn Stephens Allan, Inf. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in the most gallant manner, and captured his objective, which he succeeded in consolidating. He set a fine example to his men.
Lt. Albert Augustus ALLANBACK London Gazette 11 Jan 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919. 651; 10 January 1919 - Lt. Albert Augustus Allenback, R. Can.Regt., Nova Scotia Regt. - Preparatory to an attack he performed invaluable work in reconnoitring the crossing of a river. On the morning of the attack he crossed ahead of the battalion, through the enemy barrage, and at great risk reconnoitred the route to assembly position. Then he went forward and found our right un connected with the French. After crossing, the open under heavy fire he succeeded in establishing connection with the French, and returned to battalion headquarters with valuable information as to the dispositions of the troops. Throughout the first eight days of the operations he was continuously mployed on liaison work with the battalions in the front line. The resulting reports greatly facilitated the work of the battalion commander, and helped materially to the success of the operations.
Rev. Albert Edward ANDREW Can. Chapl. Svc, attached The RCR; London Gazette 7 Mar 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER, 1919. 3 October 1919 - Rev. Albert Edward Andrew, Can. Chaplains' Serv., attd. R. Can. R-., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry during the operations near Cambrai, from 27th September to 1st October, 1918. For forty hours, without any interval for rest, he made repeated trips into No Man's Land, often in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, bringing back into our lines wounded. On several occasions he organised and guided stretcher parties to a dressing station through heavy shell fire. Throughout he displayed fine devotion to duty.
Capt R.E. BALDERS London Gazette 1 Feb 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUARY, 1919; 31 January 1919 - Capt. Ralph Edward Balders, Royal Canadian Reg., Nova Scotia Reg. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on Bois de Gart on 26th August, 1918. When the attack was held up he went through intense enemy fire to the front line to ascertain the situation, and returned to battalion headquarters with information causing the reserve company to be sent to fill a gap in time to meet an enemy counter-attack. On 28th, in answer to an urgent call for reinforcements, he saved a critical situation with his two companies on Artillery Hill, where the enemy was heavily attacking. He did excellent work.
  James BALLANTYNE 30 May 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1919. 31 December 1918 - Lt. James Ballantyne, R. Can. R., Nov. Sco. R.
Lt. Harry Christie BARKER London Gazette 11 Jan 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; 10 January 1919 - Lt. Harry Christie Barker, R. Can. Regt., Nova Scotia Regt. - During a night attack on a village this officer carried out a most daring and valuable reconnaissance. In pitch darkness he discovered the dispositions of the left and right companies, and on his information to the commanders, they were connected up. He then found that our right flank was in the air, with no connection with the battalion on our right. He proceeded into "No Man's Land" at great risk from hostile machine-gun fire, and discovering the next battalion's left party, was able to guide this battalion into line. Our flank was secured and the success of the operation assured. He reported to battalion headquarters the complete and accurate dispositions of our line.
Lt. William Louis BARRETT-LENNARD London Gazette 30 May 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 3 JUNE, 1919. 30 May 1919 - Lt. William Louis Barrett-Lennard, R. Can. R., Nova Sco. R.
Lt. Lawrence Francis Gartner BOLE London Gazette 26 Sep 1916 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 26 SEPTEMBER, 1916.; 26 September 1916 - Lt. Lawrence Francis Gartner Bole, R. Can. R. - For conspicuous gallantry after a raid. With two other officers he worked for 45 minutes under heavy fire clearing the casualties. He did fine work throughout the raid and afterwards.
Capt Geoffrey Gordon CHRYSLER Regimental service, 1905-1911 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 16 AUGUST, 1917.; 14 August 1917 - Capt. Geoffrey Gordon Chrysler, Inf. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company into action through very heavy fire. Though very seriously wounded he remained in command, setting a splendid example to all ranks and very largely promoting the success of the attack. He had been wounded on two previous occasions.
Capt Harry Tredennick COCK London Gazette 1 Jun 1917 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 JUNE, 1917; 1 June 1917 - Capt. Harry Tredennick Cock, R. Can. R.
Hon. Capt. (Qr. Mr.) J.W. COUPE   CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1919; 31 December 1918 - Hon. Capt. John William Coupe, R. Can. R., Nov. Sco. Regt.
Hon. Capt. (Qr. Mr.) John Alban DONOVAN Post-War service as an Officer of The R.C.R. CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER, 1918; 29 November 1918 - Qrmr. and Hon. Lt. John Alban Donovan, D.C.M., 24th Can. Bn., Quebec R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Throughout two days' operations, he succeeded in bringing up ammunition and supplies in spite of heavy shelling. When the transport lines were bombed by night he saved many casualties by his coolness and judgment. Thanks to his energy the battalion was kept well supplied.
Lt. Robert ENGLAND London Gazette 7 Mar 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER, 1919; 3 October 1919 - Lt. Robert England, R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations near Cambrai from 27th September to 1st October, 1918. During the night prior to the attack he reconnoitred a village, and later returned with a party and mopped up enemy posts. During the operations as scout officer he kept the battalion commander accurately in-formed of the situation, being wounded in obtaining information.
Capt. David Dawson FREEZE C.A.M.C., attached the RCR; London Gazette 11 Jan 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; 10 January 1919 - Capt. David Dawson Freeze, Can. A.M.C., attd. R. Can. R. - In an attack he displayed great courage in dressing wounded under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He followed close up with the battalion in the attack and, in the most exposed position, he continued to dress the wounded and organise carrying parties, so that all the battalion casualties were evacuated in very short time. After the objective had been reached he proceeded in advance under heavy machine-gun fire, and dressed the wounds of a large number of the enemy and evacuated them. Learning that a number of men of another division were lying in front of our line, having been wounded two days previously, he proceeded under heavy fire, dressed their wounds and supervised their evacuation. His devotion to duty throughout was admirable.
Lt. Francis John GRAY Regimental records note "Awarded the M.C. 4 Feb 1917" CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON.GAZETTE, 3 MARCH, 1917; 2 March 1917 - Lt. Francis John Gray, R. Can. Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a successful raid against the enemy's trenches with great gallantry, captured five prisoners, and inflicted over fifty casualties.He set a fine example of courage and determination.
Lt. Milton Fowler GREGG Regimental records note authority as D.R.O. 2023 dated 9 Jul 1917.

MC - Canada Gazette 6 Oct 1917; London Gazette 25 Aug 1917

Bar - Canada Gazette 3 May 1919; London Gazette 1 Feb 1919

CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TOTHE LONDON GAZETTE, 25 AUGUST, 1917. 24 August 1917 - Lt. Milton Fowler Gregg, Infy. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading a bombing attack against a hostile machine-gun, which he outflanked, and annihilated the crew, thus permitting the advance of his party to continue unchecked. His prompt action greatly assisted the success of a much larger operation. Later, although himself wounded, he carried a seriously wounded officer out of action to a place of safety.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUAEY, 1919; 31 January 1919 - Lt. Milton Fowler Gregg, M.C., R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on Bois de Sart on 26th August, 1918, he became detached from his company with his platoon, and being subjected to withering machine-gun fire, he led a bombing party forward and rushed two machine-gun crews, killing them. Pushing on with his platoon, he found his position isolated, so dug in, and by a personal reconnaissance connected up with the left flank, and by skilfully disposing his men enabled an enemy counter-attack to be repulsed. His courage and good leadership saved a critical situation. (M.C. gazetted 25th August, 1917.)
Lt. (A./Capt.) William James HOME London Gazette 1 Feb 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUARY, 1919; 31 January 1919 - Lt. (A./Capt.) William James Home, Royal Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of a company during operations commencing 26th August, 1918. When almost, surrounded by an enemy counter-attack he dashed forward at the head of a party, shooting four enemy himself, causing considerable casualties and checking, their attack. His courage and initiative saved an awkward situation.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 8 MARCH, 1919; 7 March 1919 - Lt. (A./Capt.) William James Home, M.C., R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. (M.C. gazetted 1st February, 1919.)
Lt. Malcolm ISBESTER London Gazette 7 Mar 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER, 1819; 3 October 1919 - Lt. Malcolm Isbester, R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For marked gallantry and able leadership in action during the operations near Cambrai, commencing 28th -September, 1918. When the enemy delivered a heavy counter-attack and almost surrounded his company,he dashed forward with a party of men atthem, shooting five himself, while his party inflicted heavy casualties. Later, when the commanding officer and adjutant had become casualties, he took command of the battalion and showed great ability to command.
Brevet Major J. JEFFERY (Service with The RCR from 1920) CEF-db
Maj. Arthur Henry Whittington LANDON   CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1918; 28 December 1917 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. Arthur Henry Whittington Landon, R. Can R.
Lt. Herbert Arthur LOWE CEF-db
Pre-War service in the ranks of The RCR. Commissioned during the war, MC awarded while serving with the 19th Bn, C.E.F.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 10 DECEMBER, 1919; 9 December 1919 - Lt. Herbert Lowe, 19th Bn., Can. Infy., 1st C. Ont. R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion on 11th October, 1918, in the advance north-east of Cambrai. After the first objective had been gained, he went forward with his platoon and four Lewis guns, and established a position well forward, which led to further advance. When the second objective was reached, he went forward, establishing two more posts, which again enabled the advance to be continued. Throughout, his courage and grasp of the situation set a fine example of encouragement to his men.
Post-war service with The RCR as a Lieutenant, resigned 1919.
Maj. Josiah Sherlock Marrington Arthur Haigh LYNE-EVANS Regimental records notes date June 1915, while acting as the Adjt 3rd Can. Inf. Bn. CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 23 JUNE, 1915 - Awarded the Military Cross. - Captain J. H. Lyne Evans, 3rd Canadian Battalion
Lt. John William MILLER London Gazette 10 Dec 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON-GAZETTE, 10 DECEMBER, 1919; - Lt. John William Miller, M.M., Royal Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and skilful handling of his company during the operations at Mons, on 10th and Uth November, 1918. He conducted a rapid advance with a minimum of casualties, dealing with enemy machine guns, and securing the crossings of 47th Bn., Can. Infy., W. Out. E. the roads west of Mons.
Lt. Frederick Brenton MILLETT London Gazette 10 Dec 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON-GAZETTE, 10 DECEMBER, 1919; - Lt. Frederick Brenton Millett, Royal Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and able leadership near Mons, on 10th November, 1918. When his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire, he made a personal reconnaissance locating the post. Leading a section to the flank he rushed the post, capturing the gun and seven prisoners, and killing three others. Although severely wounded in the thigh he remained with his platoon until the objective was reached, encouraging his men by his endurance and determination.
Lt. Rupert Murray MILLETT London Gazette 11 Jan 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON-GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; 10 January 1919 - Lt. Rupert Murray Millett, R. Can. Regt.,Nova Scotia Regt. - He commanded a company with conspicuous success throughout eight days' operations. During a night attack he commanded the left front line company, and it was largely due to his carefully formed dispositions, leadership, dash and initiative that he objective was taken and consolidated, and communications established with the left flank within two hours of jumping off. Throughout he showed himself regardless of personal danger under enemy fire. His reliability greatly facilitated the work of his battalion commander.
Capt. (Med. O.) James Ernest McASKILL   CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1917 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. James Ernest McAskill, A.M.C.
Capt. Arthur NICHOLLS Regimental records reference Divisional Routine Order 27 Dec 1917  CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 5 JULY, 1918; 2 July 1918 - Lt. Arthur Nicholls, R. Can. Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of pack mules. He worked night and day, frequently under heavy fire, getting forward water and ammunition to the fighting troops. Owing to his skill and energy sufficient supplies were maintained.
Capt. John Millar PAULINE   CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1918 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. John Millar Pauline, R. Can. R.
Lt. Raymond Bardwell PENNIMAN 1916 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 19 AUGUST, 1916 - Lt. Raymond Penniman, Can. Infy. - For conspicuous gallantry and determination when repelling three hostile attacks under difficult circumstances.
Qr. Mr. and Capt. Harold Preston Evans PHILLIPS MC - London Gazette 1 Jan 1917; Bar - London Gazette 1 Feb 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1917 - Awarded Military Cross - Lt. Harold Phillips, R. Can. R.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUARY, 1919.; 31 January 1919 (BAR TO THE MC) - Qr.-Mr. and Capt. Harold Phillips, M.C., R. Can. B., Nova Scotia B. - For conspicuous gallantly and devotion to duty as transport officer during operations from 26th August, 1918. While the advance was still in progress and during heavy enemy bombardment, he reconnoitred forward routes and then brought up much-needed rations and water. He was constantly in the forward area by day and night, and it was due to his disregard for personal safety that the transport regularly delivered rations and water. (M.C. gazetted 1st January, 1917.)
Lt. David Arthur PORTER London Gazette 7 Mar 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER, 1919; 3 October 1919 - Lt. David Arthur Porter, R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and good work during the operations near Cambrai from 27th .September to 1st October, 1918. On one occasion, when the battalion was held up, he initiated an attack, and by skilful leadership captured twenty of the enemy, killed many others, and protected the advance of the other unit. On another occasion he led his platoon most determinedly, and when all senior officers had become casualties, he took charge of the entire situation in the battalion front line, making careful dispositions.
Lt. Jamed Thomas PROBERT Regimental records note date as 17 May 1918 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 16 SEPTEMBER, 1918; 13 September 1918 - Lt. James Thomas Probert, Nova Scotia Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led a raiding party against an enemy post. In the first attempt he was wounded, and all the bombs were expended; but after fetching up more the post was reached and the garrison driven into a dug-out in rear, a machine gun and other materiel being captured. He was wounded a second time, but persisted until his objective was gained.
Lt. E.A. ROBINSON   CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 DECEMBER, 1916; 19 December 1916 - Lt. Ernest Alfred Robinson, R. Can. Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out a daring reconnaissance, obtained valuable information, and assisted in rescuing three wounded men under very heavy fire.
Lt./Bt. Maj. Harry Leonard Nowell SALMON MC - Canada Gazette 23 Dec 1916; Bar - Canada Gazette 1 Jun 1918 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 14 NOVEMBER, 1916; 14 November 1916 - Lt. Harry Leonard Nowell Salmon, Inf. - For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men into action with great courage, and although severely wounded he continued to lead his men until the objective was reached He set a fine example to his men.
SUPPLEMENT to THE LONDON GAZETTE, 18 JANUARY, 1918 - Awarded a bar to the Military Cross - Lt. Harry Leonard Nowell Salmon, M.C., Inf. (M.C. gazetted 14th November, 1916.)
CEF service with the 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion; Regimental service from 1920.
Capt. (Med. O.) William Henry SCOTT SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 18 OCTOBER, 1917 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. William Henry Scott, A.M.C. CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 7 MARCH, 1918; 5 March 1918 - Capt. William Henry Scott, A.M.C. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy-hostile gas-shell bombardment his dressing station, which was in a cellar, became full of "mustard gas." He and his whole staff were gassed, but with the greatest courage and devotion he remained in the cellar after all his assistants had been evacuated, and attended to three wounded men who could not be left. No praise is too great for the gallant manner in which he discharged his duties under these dangerous conditions.
Capt. Charles Gardner Burton THOMPSON MC - Canada Gazette 6 Jul 1918; London Gazette 31 May 1918

Bar - Canada Gazette 29 Mar 1919

CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 3 JUNE, 1918 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. Charles Gardner Burton Thompson, R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; 10 January 1919 - Capt. Charles Gardner Burton Thompson, M.C., R. Can. Regt., Nova Scotia Regt. - This officer, who was suddenly called upon to take command of his battalion, directed their attacks on two occasions. His masterly leadership and resourcefulness, seldom found in a junior officer, directly contributed to the splendid success of the regiment in both operations. His extreme coolness under most trying circumstances and his disregard of personal danger set a fine example to all ranks. (M.C. gazetted 3rd June, 1918.)
Maj. Algernon Edward WILLOUGHBY Regimental records note received in new Year's Honours List 1918; Auth D.R.O. 10 Jan 1918 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1918 - Awarded the Military Cross - Capt. (A. /Maj.) Algernon Edward Willoughby, R. Can. R.
Capt Claude Llewellyn WOOD MC - Canada Gazette 3 May 1919; London Gazette 1 Feb 1919

Bar - Canada Gazette  15 Nov 1919; London Gazette 7 Mar 1919

CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUARY, 1919; 31 January 1919 - Capt. Claude Llewellyn Wood, Royal Can. Regt., Nova Scotia Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of a company during an attack on Bois de Sart, 26th August, 1918. He led his company through very heavy fire to his objective, where he found both his flanks in the air. Though almost surrounded by an enemy counter-attack, he held on to his position, and broke up the counter-attack. Throughout he showed marked courage, and set a very fine example to his men.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER, 1919; 3 October 1919 (BAR TO THE MC) - Capt. Claude Llewellyn Wood, M.C., R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and ability to command during the operation before Cambrai, 29th September to 1st October, 1918. After the C.O., the adjutant and other senior officers had become casualties, he assumed command of his battalion on the evening of the 28th September and carried out a successful attack on the morning of 29th September. His battalion was continuously in action until the early morning of 1st October. (M.C. gazetted 1st February, 1919.)
Capt. John Stanley WOODS MC - Canada Gazette 21 Oct 1916

Bar - Canada Gazette 21 Dec 1918

CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 22 SEPTEMBER, 1916; 22 September 1916 - Lt. John Stanley Woods, Can. Infy - For conspicuous gallantry when destroying an enemy post with its garrison. With another officer and a supply of explosive he forced his way through the wire round their post, and, though the enemy bombed him heavily, he laid and exploded his charge successfully.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 7 NOVEMBER, 1918; 5 November 1918 (BAR TO THE MC) - Capt. John Stanley Woods, M.C., R. Can. R. - For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a section of whippet Tanks in broad day light to its objective, under heavy fire. (Later, when the infantry advance was checked, he pushed forward over ground that was continually swept by machine-gun and rifle fire, to reconnoitre the position held by the enemy. He displayed great courage and initiative under difficult circumstances, and set a very fine example to the men. (M.C. gazetted 22nd September, 1916.)
Lt. William Godfrey WURTELE London Gazette 11 Jan 1919 CEF-db
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; 10 January 1919 - Lt. William Godfrey Wurtele, R. Can. Regt., Nova Scotia Regt. - For conspicuous gallantry during eight days of the operations, in which he commanded his company. He led it in an attack, and his dashing leadership was largely responsible for the rout to which the enemy was put. He captured five 4.2 guns, six machine guns, and sixty prisoners. During a night attack on a village his company cleared it of the enemy under very difficult conditions. He set a splendid example to his men by his initiative and personal courage.

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