Vimy Militaria - What's New

Vimy Militaria
P.O. Box 17018
Portobello RO
1937 Portobello Rd
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K4A 4W8

What's New!

Welcome to our second Vimy Militaria update of the year! This list includes some interesting Victorian campaign single medals, as well as a variety of Canadian First World War and Second World War groups and singles. Some cloth and metal insignia has been added as well, in addition an attractive First World War portrait postcard featuring a senior officer of the Royal Canadian Regiment. As always, I encourage you to contact me directly with your wants, as I am happy to keep these on file and to contact you if something in your area of interest arrives; my active servicing of client want lists results in a large quantity of incoming material never making it to the website, and is the reason that my updates are less frequent, so if you have not sent me your wants, please consider taking advantage of this service.

Please keep visiting regularly!

Best wishes,

Jim Godefroy

New Arrivals

Seven. 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas bar and Bomber Command bar, War Medal 1939-45, Memorial Cross (GVI) and Shell Oil Company of Canada 'On Active Service' Medal. SWW medals unnamed and contained in boxes of issue, as is the Bomber Command bar. Memorial Cross named P.O. G.A. GAGNON J.17025, and Shell Medal named G.A. GAGNON. J17025 P/O Gerald Alban Gagnon served in 427 Sqn, RCAF. He died on 26 June 1943 and is buried at Bergen, Netherlands. Gagnon was one of the pilots of Handley Page Halifax V Serial #DK135, which was participating in a bombing raid on Gelsenkirchen in the Ruhr Valley when it was shot down by a German night fighter and abandoned near Alkmaar, Holland. Of 473 aircraft in the raid, 9 aircraft from 427 Sqn particpated, and his plane was one of 30 lost of all those taking part.

Good VF Condition $1500

One. Canada General Service Medal 1866-70 with clasp 'Fenian Raid 1866'. Named to Pte. J. Morley, 13th Bn. John Morley was a member of No. 5 Company of the Hamilton, Ontario based 13th Battalion of the Canadian Militia. He was called out for active duty in response to the threat of invasion by Irish American "Fenians" in the spring of 1866, and was on active service fron early March to 23 June. He fought against the Fenians in the battle of Ridgeway on 2 June 1866. A scarce medal to a soldier who engaged the Fenians in battle.

Good VF Condition $1500

Two. 1914-15 Star and Victory Medal. Named to 79172 PTE. K.H. BROADHEAD, 31/CAN: INF: on Star, and to same number, named but rank L. CPL., unit 31-CAN.INF. Keith Harris Broadhead was killed in action at Hooge, Belgium on 6 June 1916, at the age of 25. He is commemorated on the Commonwealth War Grave Commission's Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Broadhead's 1914-15 has been gilded, and this is slightly worn on the high points; each medal is on a piece of clean original ribbon.

Good VF Condition $275

One. Victory Medal. Named to 24721 PTE. C. D. GRANT. 13-CAN. INF. Grant was an original member of Montreal's 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was wounded in action during the Second Battle of Ypres on 23 April 1915, lying out in the open for 2 days before being taken prisoner by German troops. He was repatriated from captivity to internment in neutral Switzerland, and had his leg amputated due to infection from his wounds.

VF Condition $150

One. Memorial Cross (GV). Named to 1490 Pte. J. GLODE. James Glode joined the Composite Battalion from the 76 Battalion (Colchester Rifles), where he had previously served, on 16 September 1916. The Composite Battalion was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September 1914, with its members drawn from militia units in the Maritime provinces, in order to take over the garrison duties of the Royal Canadian Regiment, who transferred to Bermuda shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. Their role expanded as the war progressed, and the unit suffered high casualties from the Halifax Explosion on 6 December 1917. Glode served with the regiment until 5 February 1918, when he was discharged as medically unfit for further service. He died on 4 August 1918 at the age of 33. His file indicates his death was related to service and therefore his next of kin were awarded the Memorial Cross. Since his service was only in Canada, he was not entitled to any medals, and the cross issued in his memory to his family is the only formal recognition of his service. Private Glode was an Indigenous Canadian, and a member of the Bear River Band, Lequille, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. His remains were interred in the Bridgetown R. C. Cemetery, Annapolis Co. Nova Scotia. A hard copy of his service file and a copy of his obituary accompany the cross.

Good VF Condition $325

One. A studio portrait postcard image of a Major of the Royal Canadian Regiment, c. 1914-1918. Subject is unfortunately unidentified, but given his rank and the clarity of image, research is doubtlessly possible. Small loss of paper on reverse where it appears the image was removed from an album. Photographer name 'Richard Brown 35 Bold Street' is embossed on the image at lower left. Brown operated at this address in Liverpool, England between 1892 and 1931.

VF Condition $30

Two. Permanent Force of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GV) and Meritorious Service Medal (GVI). PFEBSLSGC Medal named Q.M.S. (W.O.CL. II) W.H. HOBSON R.C.E. and MSM re-named WO1 (SM) W.H. HOBSON RCE. Renaming of MSM is in small impressed capitals and appears officially done; medal used has been erased/skimmed, and was likely one that was returned undeliverable and re-used, given that stocks would have been dwindling when it was issued in 1948. MSM is sewn to a ribbon bar with a CVSM ribbon, while PFEBSLSGC is mounted separately as worn. William Henry Hobson was born in Birmingham, England on 19 July 1886. He emigrated to Canada in 1911, and joined the Permanent Force Royal Canadian Engineers shortly after arriving here. He was a fitter, and during the First World War, he served in the CEF in Canada only between 22 June 1918 and 31 March 1919, his trade listed as mechanist/engine driver. He was employed at South Barracks, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hobson re-entered the Permanent Force RCE at war's end, and his LSGC was gazetted on 24 July 1926 in Army General Order (G.O.) #63, p. 268. Hobson's obituary indicates he served for 35 years, suggesting that he retired c. 1946, and this may explain the CVSM ribbon that is attached to his MSM ribbon bar. He later received the MSM, likely after retirement as was typical given restrictions on the number of these medals that could be issued, and his award was gazetted on 19 June 1948 in Canada Gazette Issue # 78, p.2458, with the notation indicating his service number was P-10043. More research possible to confirm the nature of Hobson's apparent Second World War service and any further medal entitlement. A very scarce GVI Meritorious Service Medal to a Permanent Force Warrant Officer.

VF Condition $600

Two. British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal. Named to 175036 PTE. F. ROACH. C.M.G. BDE. Frank Roach was born on 23 August 1883 in Guelph, Ontario. He was working as a labourer when he joined the 86th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Hamilton, Ontario on 27 September 1915. He had previously joined the CFA in June 1915, only to be rejected as medically unfit shortly after enslisting, but his persistence apparently paid off. Roach sailed in May 1916 with his unit to England, where it was re-designated as the Canadian Machine Gun Corps Depot. He arrived in France on 13 March 1917, being assigned to the 9th Machine Gun Company in the 3rd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, and joining the latter unit on 14 April 1917, at the conclusion of the battle of Vimy Ridge. Roach served with the latter unit until the end of hostilities, returning to Canada and being discharged from the CEF at Toronto, Ontario in March 1919. Medals are swing mounted for display on faded original ribbon.

VF Condition $150

One. Khedives Sudan Medal 1897 with clasp 'Khartoum'. Named to 3705 S.S. KNIGHT. J. 21ST E.OF I. LANCERS. James Alfred Knight was 20 years old when he joined the 21st Hussars on 18 November 1893. He was granted good conduct pay on 25 January 1896, and appointed as a shoeing smith on 4 November 1898. Knight charged with C Squadron of the 21st Lancers at the battle of Omdurman on 2 September 1898. The Royal Lancers website notes that "An Anglo-Egyptian force was sent to reconquer the Sudan in order to end Dervish rule, which threatened British interests in Egypt. The 21st Lancers was the only regular cavalry to serve with this army. On 2nd September, 1898, the army reached Omdurman, the Mahdi’s capital, where the infantry formed defensive squares on the banks of the Nile. The Dervishes made several mass attacks, which were beaten back by a continuous and accurate fire from the British infantry. After two hours fighting, the ferocity of the Dervish attack slackened and they appeared to be retreating back towards Omdurman. The 21st Lancers was then ordered to cut the Dervish line of retreat into the city. As the regiment advanced, it came under rifle fire from what appeared to be a few hundred skirmishers, and the order was given to charge. Too late, it was discovered that this frail line of Dervishes stood in front of a dry riverbed packed with several thousand of the enemy. The Regiment fought its way through the packed enemy and moved away, dismounted and opened a withering fire using carbines, forcing the Dervishes to withdraw. During this action the 21st Lancers lost 21 men killed and 50 wounded. Three Victoria Crosses were awarded, each of them for rescuing a wounded comrade from the midst of the enemy. Lieutenant Winston Churchill, attached to the Regiment from the 4th Hussars, commanded a troop in the charge. As a result of the charge at Omdurman, the 21st Lancers was awarded the title ‘Empress of India’s’ by Queen Victoria, became the only Regiment entitled to wear her Royal Cypher, and was allowed to return its french-grey facings, which had previously been replaced by scarlet." Knight continued his service after the battle, re-enlisting and extending his service on 11 May 1899 in order to complete 12 years with the colours. On 25 January 1900 he was granted additional good conduct pay, and on 1 April 1900, he was promoted to Shoeing Smith Corporal, only to be reduced to the ranks for conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline after a regimental court martial in June 1903. Knight re-engaged to complete 21 years of service on 23 October 1905, but his disciplinary problems continued, and he was discharged for misconduct on 30 November 1907, having completed a total of 14 years and 13 days service. Knight's medal is loose on a length of older original ribbon. Medal is accompanied by an electronic copy of his service record, and medal roll entries for his Sudan and Khedives Sudan Medals. Much more research possible. A scarce medal to a participant in an iconic cavalry charge.

Good VF Condition $1500

One. A Royal 22nd Regiment Second World War printed shoulder title. Unused.

Good VF Condition $200

One. A Saskatoon Light Infantry Second World War printed shoulder title. Lightly used with evidence of having been stitched to a uniform.

Good VF Condition $175

Seven. Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with clasps TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901, SOUTH AFRICA 1902, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal, Defence Medal (Canadian issue), Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, and War Medal 1939-45 (Canadian issue). QSA named to 5854 PTE. J. SUSSEX DEVON REGT, Star named 74233 PTE. J. SUSSEX 28/CAN: INF:, and pair same number, rank, name but 28-CAN. INF. James Sussex was born in St.Giles, Devon, England on 2 March 1882. He joined the Devonshire Regiment of the British Army at the age of 18 on 16 February 1900, and served for 12 years with the colours, deploying to South Africa during the Boer War on 17 October the same year, serving there until 18 January 1902. Posted to the East Indies, he served overseas until 24 January 1908, when he returned to England for a further four years service at home. Emigrating to Canada sometime after leaving the British Army in early 1912, Sussex was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba and working as a labourer when he volunteered to join the 28th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force on 24 February 1915. Sussex deployed to France with the 28th Battalion in September 1915, and he was wounded in action on the Somme on 17 September 1916, suffering shell shock and a contusion to his right groin. He recovered in England until early January 1918, when he returned to the 28th Battalion in France, serving with the unit in action until war's end. Sussex was discharged from the CEF on 13 May 1919, taking his release in the United Kingdom, where he elected to stay. Group is accompanied by electronic copies of Sussex's Short Service service records documenting his time in the British Army, as well as his CEF service file. Sussex's entitlement to medals for Second World War service has not been confirmed; group court mounted for display.

Good VF Condition $600

One. Efficiency Medal (GVI) with CANADA suspender. Named to SGT. H. WILSON R.C.A.. Un-researched. Loose on original ribbon.

Good VF Condition $200

One. General Service Medal 1908-1962 (EIIR) with clasp CYPRUS. Named to 23239557 PTE. A. CROSSLEY GORDONS. With notes indicating medal was awarded for service April 1955 to April 1959. Otherwise unresearched. Loose on clean modern ribbon.

VF Condition $135

Three. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, and Victory Medal. Named to 300024 GNR: C.C. BRUCE. 1/CAN:DIV: A.C. on Star, and to same number, rank, name but unit C.F.A. on pair. Charles Chapman Bruce was born in Hartlepool, Durham, England on 19 July 1883. He was working as a boilermaker when he joined the 32nd Battery, Canadian Field Artillery at Ottawa, Ontario on 21 August 1915. He served in France for 11 months with the 12th Battery, 3rd Brigade, CFA. Bruce was badly wounded at Albert, France on 13 November 1916, when shrapnel caused him multiple injuries including a fractured right arm and right thigh, necessitating eventual amputation of his right leg in July 1917. He was discharged as medically unfit for further serfvice at Kingston, Ontario in April 1918. Group is plated and court-mounted as worn.

Good VF Condition $250

One. Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with clasps CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL. Named to 6832 PTE. F.G. HALLIDAY. 2ND RL: BERKS: REGT. Un-researched. Medal is loose and unmounted on short length of older ribbon.

Good VF Condition $250

Four. Military Medal (GV), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal. MM and Star named 2015 PTE. F. HIGGINS. CAN: A.M.C., and pair named with same number, name, initials but unit C.A.M.C. Fred Higgins was born in Montreal, Quebec on 23 April 1896. An automotive repairman in civilian life, he joined No. 6 Canadian Field Ambulance of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 21 November 1914, serving with this unit in France. He was awarded the Military Medal on 1 September 1918 in 2nd Canadian Division Orders, the award being gazetted in London Gazette 31142 of 24 January 1919. Swing mounted as worn, with 1914-15 Star loose. This group was previously listed for sale as a broken group, as the 1914-15 Star was missing, but the latter recently surfaced and has been reunited to complete the group.

Good VF Condition $1200

Three. British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal, and British Empire Service League Canadian Legion Service Medal with Past-President - Branch suspension. Named to 488184 PTE. G.F. BROWNELL. CAN. PNR. BN. on pair, and to G.F. BROWNELL AMHERST. N.S. # 10 1943 on RCL medal. Gordon Frederick Brownell enlisted in the Composite Battalion in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 8 November 1915. At the time of enlistment, he gave his civilian trade as 'clerk', and claimed previous service in the 93rd Cumberland Regiment of the Canadian Militia. The Composite Battalion was raised from militia units in the Maritime provinces in order to take over the garrison duties of the Royal Canadian Regiment, who transferred to Bermuda shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. Drafts were also sent overseas, and Brownell was deployed overseas with one of these, arriving in England on 31 January 1916 and joining the 17th Reserve Battalion there. He was later posted to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion in the field on 2 March 1916. On 9 April 1916, Brownell received a gun shot wound to his right hand and was taken to No. 22 General Hospital, before being repatriated to England for further treatment. He eventually lost two fingers and the thumb on his right hand to amputation. Brownell's injury resulted in him being declared unfit for further military service. His war over, he returned to Canada in August 1916 and was subsequently discharged from the CEF. Brownell returned to his hometown of Amherst, Nova Scotia, where his obituary states he worked for 39 years as a gatekeeper for the Canadian National Railway. He passed away in Amherst in August 1964. Medal includes hard copy research file with obituary.

VF Condition $275

Two. British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal. Named to 817082 PTE. G.H. JONES. 26-CAN. INF. George Henry Jones was born on 3 August 1884 in Musquash, New Brunswick. A labourer in civilian life, with no prior military experience, he joined the 140th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Sussex, New Brunswick on 2 November 1915. He joined the 26th Battalion as a reinforcement on 30 May 1917. Jones was killed in action on 6 November 1917 while on durty with his company in trenches at Passchendaele, when he was hit by shrapnel from an enemy shell that exploded nearby. He is commemorated on the CWGC's Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium.

EF Condition $250

One. Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with clasps TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901. Named to 6439 PTE. T. KAY D. OF C. L.I. Court-mounted on original ribbon stiffened by card. With copy of medal roll confirmation of award, and a researcher's letter indicating that a 6437 Pte T. Kay, likely the same man, died of disease at Middleburg on 12 November 1901.

Good VF Condition $250

One. British War Medal 1914-20. Named to 410722 PTE. H. DAVENPORT. 38-CAN.INF. Henry Davenport was born in Manchester, England on 26 August 1888. He was working as a labourer when he enrolled in the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Lindsay, Ontario on 19 April 1915. Davenport served in D Company of the unit, and deployed to Bermuda with the battalion for garrison duty in August 1915, replacing the Royal Canadian Regiment. He served in Bermuda until May 1916, when the unit was replaced by the 163rd Battalion CEF. Sailing to England, they arrived in early June 1916, and were assigned to the 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 4th Canadian Division, departing for France and service at the front in August the same year. Davenport received a gunshot wound to his right leg at Courcelette, France on 17 November 1916. He was invalided back to the UK, and spent the remainder of the war in England. Loose on piece of older ribbon.

Good VF Condition $90

Four. Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with clasps CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1901, SOUTH AFRICA 1902, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, and Victory Medal. QSA named 378 TPR. G.J.W. MCTURK. S.A.C., and trio named RFM. G.J.W. MCTURK 4TH S.A.M.R. With electronic copy of medal roll entries for QSA and clasps, but otherwise un-researched. Previously sold in Jeffrey Hoare Sale #58, 21 Februsry 1998, as lot# 2187. Medals are loose on modern ribbons.

Good VF Condition $550

One. Egypt Medal 1882-89 (undated reverse) without clasp. Named in impressed capitals to J. TOWNSEND, LDG SEAMn, H.M.S. BRITON. John Townshend was born on 18 September 1859 in Pill Newport, Monmouth, Wales. He joined the Royal Navy on 18 September 1877, serving with HMS Impregnable, Impacable, Resistance, Royal Adelaide, Sirius, Bellerophon, Tover, Valiant, Hector, Britomart, Briton and Duncan. Copy service record with medal indicates Townsend was discharged 'dead' 3 January 1886 while serving on H.M.S. Duncan; copy medal roll indicates that his medal was sent to his widow on 12 January 1888.

Good VF Condition $250

Two. British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal. Named to 715297 PTE. R. SMITH. 26-CAN.INF. Reginald Smith was born in Coventry, England on 30 June 1893. He enlisted in the 106th (Nova Scotia Rifles) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Amherst, Nova Scotia on 22 December 1915. He sailed with the unit to England on 15 July 1916. The 106th was broken up in England shortly after arrival, and Smith was deployed to France as a reinforcement, joining the 26th Battalion in the field on 27 September 1916. He was only at the front for a short period of time before developing an ulcer on his right ankle on 7 November 1916, which resulted in his being sent to hospital for medical care. Smith spent until 24 November 1917 in Field and General hospitals in England, as well as some time in reserve units after his convalesence, before he rejoined the 26 Battalion in the field. On 25 May 1918, Smith was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Canadian Machine Gun Corps, serving with this unit at the front for the remainder of the war. Smith was granted 14 days leave to England on 25 November 1918, shortly after hostilities ended. He apparently enjoyed himself, as he overstayed his leave, going absent without leave (AWOL) for seven days before being arrested in London and returned to his unit, resulting in some minor discipline. Smith left France for England on 17 April 1919, returning to Canada for demobilization on 26 May 1919. He passed away in July 1973 at Camphill Veterans Hospital, and was interred in Fort Massey Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Accompanying the group are a hard copy of his service file, a small copy image of Smith in uniform from the 106th Bn photo history, and his obituary.

Good VF Condition $175

One. 105th (Prince Edward Island) Battalion sweetheart pin in brass with enamel detailing. No maker mark. Pin on reverse is intact but prong of 'c' catch is broken off.

Good VF Condition $75

Two. A pair of early Canadian Armed Forces Naval collar badges in gilt with pin back fittings. These insignia were produced at the time of unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force into the newly created 'Canadian Armed Forces' in 1967-1968, and were only worn for a brief period. A very scarce set of early CAF insignia.

Good VF Condition $80

Eight. 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp, War Medal 1939-1945, United Nations Service Medal for Korea, United Nations Operation in the Congo "Organization des Nations Unies au Congo" Medal (ONUC), with clasp - CONGO, and Canadian Forces Decoration (GVI) with two clasps. UN Korea medal named to ZG 853 F.A. MANNING, CD named CAPT F.A. MANNING, remainder un-named as issued. Major Floyd Manning served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps as an officer during the Second World War, joining a week after war broke out and participating in the Normandy campaign from early July 1944 until war's end. He served with 57 Transport Company in Japan during the Korean War from January-August 1953, and in the Congo with 57 Signals Squadron from August 1962, retiring in 1967. Medals swing-mounted as worn. Group is accompanied by an electronic copy of Manning's service file. A nice early Canadian peacekeeping group to a long serving officer.

Good VF Condition $600

One. The History of 13 Canadian Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery 1940-1945. Written by Lieutenant W.W. Barrett. First edition. No publisher or publication date, but believed to have been printed in Holland c. 1945. A clean copy of this very scarce history; please see photos for details of condition.

Good VF Condition $175

One. King’s South Africa Medal with clasps SOUTH AFRICA 1901 and SOUTH AFRICA 1902. Named to 1813 SDLR. H. HARRIS. NESBITT’S H. Un-researched. Loose on short length of slightly soiled original ribbon.

Good VF Condition $225

One. Northwest Canada Medal 1885 clasp SASKATCHEWAN. Named to No 1680 GUNNER J. WILCOX "B" BATTERY R.C.A. The Regiment of Canadian Artillery was the first Canadian Permanent Force element, raised by the Canadian Government on 20 October 1871. Two batteries of garrison artillery were formed, 'B' Battery at Kingston, Ontario, and 'A' Battery at Quebec City, Quebec. These batteries, which also served as gunnery schools, were re-designated Royal Schools of Gunnery on 6 February 1880, and Royal Schools of Artillery in 1883. 'B' Battery was called out for active service on 27 March 1885, and left Kingston on 29 March 1885. The strength of the unit was 112 men, under the command of Major Charles John Short. Some 87 members of the battery participated in the battle of Cut Knife Hill on 2 May 1885, earning the Saskatchewan clasp to the North West Canada Medal. Three men from the battery were wounded in the battle. At the end of the campaign,'B' Battery remained in the North West on garrison duty until the following year. John Wilcox was injured while on active service in Prince Albert on 2 September 1885, breaking his left leg after falling into a cellar hole in the dark. He received a pension of 30 cents per day as compensation for his injury. Medal is accompanied by an electronic copy of Wilcox's medal roll entry, medical board reports, and some period newspaper clippings mentioning his injury and convalescence. Wilcox's medal was previously sold in Jeffrey Hoare Sale #122 (29 January 2017) as lot #220. His medal is named in small impressed capitals, as is typical for members of 'B' Battery R.C.A. Loose on original ribbon.

Good VF Condition $3300

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