Commonwealth Medals - Second World War

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

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Second World War Medals

Five. 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, War Medal 1939-45 (Canadian issue) with King's Commendation for Valuable Conduct in the Air, and Canadian Forces Decoration (GVI) with bar. CD named to F/S. A.B. HILLMAN. Flight Sergeant Aleck Burnett Hillman (service number 10096) received the King's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air for his work during the Canadian Government's Magnetic Pole Survey in 1947. His award was published in the Canada Gazette of 28 August 1948, and in AFRO 524/48 dated 3 September 1948. His citation states:

Sergeant Hillman was the Flight Engineer of the Magnetic Pole Survey Canso which undertook a pioneering operation in the Arctic archipelago in 1947. An extremely high standard of technical maintenance was required in order to avoid disaster and this was achieved largely by the single-handed efforts of this outstanding non-commissioned officer. Without any normal facilities he worked tirelessly on the aircraft in remote inlets and lakes under the most extreme physical handicaps. He risked his life on two notable occasions at night to save his aircraft from destruction during gales which had torn it loose from anchorage and brought the menace of ice floes. Sergeant Hillman laboured continually to avert any delays in take-off which would risk the detachment. His efforts, far beyond the call of duty, were responsible for the readiness of the aircraft and consequently the most successful outcome of the expedition.

Hillman earned this award while serving with 438 Squadron RCAF; the 1947 expedition, which involved Paul H. Serson and Jack Clark, geophysicists from the Division of Terrestrial Magnetism, Dominion Observatory, involved the taking of magnetic observations at a total of ten different locations on Prince of Wales Island, Victoria Island, the Boothia Peninsula, and King William Island. This data collection, which supplemented efforts that had been ongoing by various British and Canadian explorers since 1831, sought to better define the location of the magnetic North Pole. Group is accompanied by research which includes an article on the expedition, and a printed copy of Hillman's citation. Medals are swing mounted as worn on original faded ribbons. A very significant bravery group to an RCAF member involved in Canadian Arctic exploration.

Good VF Condition $2000

Eight. 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal (Canadian issue), Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, War Medal 1939-45 with Mention in Dispatches, Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVI) with CANADA suspender, and Canadian Forces Decoration (EIIR). LSGC named CAPT J.A. HANDLEY RCAMC, and CD named MAJ. J.A. HANDLEY. John Albert Handley was born in 1911 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was living in Ottawa and working as a civil servant when he joined the 3rd Divisional Train Canadian Army Service Corps, Supply Company on 18 October 1929. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve in Ottawa as an Ordinary Seaman the following year, on 1 April 1930, noting his employment as an Office Boy at the Department of the Interior. He later joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps as part of the Permanent Active Militia (the Permanent Force) on 1 April 1931, serving continuously until his retirement on 4 April 1961. His Permanent Force service began in Ottawa, where he was a member of No. 9 Detachment, RCAMC, serving as a soldier and NCO with service number 30225. He was a Corporal at the outbreak of the Second World War, attesting for the CASF on 1 September 1939, and being rapidly promoted to Acting QM Sergeant (W.O. II) the same day. Just over a week later, he was made an Acting Sergeant Major (W.O. I), and he embarked for overseas on 3 November, being taken on strength of the Canadian Military HQ in London on arrival on 14 November 1939. Handley was sent for officer training in May 1942, and he was commissioned as a Lieutenant (QM) in June. He was posted to 11 Field Ambulance RCAMC on 1 February 1943, and deployed to Italy in October 1943, serving with 3rd Field Dressing Station. He was Mentioned in Dispatches in January 1945, and returned to Canada in April, resuming his service at NDHQ in Ottawa. Peacetime postings included further service in Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton. Handley was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in Canadian Army Order 128-25 of September 1961, as a member of the Special Reserve shortly after his retirement from the Permanent Force. Electronic research file accompanying his group includes his Second World War service file, which documents his service between 1929-1961, as well as confirmation of the award of his LSGC and CD. Accompanied by matching group of seven miniatures (CD absent, but obviously as worn). Both groups swing-mounted as worn. An impressive long service group to a Permanent Force NCO and officer.

Good VF Condition $800

Three. Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-45, and Canadian Forces Decoration (EIIR). CD named to MAJ. A.H. MacKINNON. Alexander Huntley MacKinnon was an engineer with service ranging from COTC in the 1930s to time spent in the Militia in the 1960s. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and Nova Scotia Technical College, he served during the Second World War inside Canada with the Signal Communications Branch of the R.C.A.F. on the West Coast. Between 1949 and 1964, MacKinnon was a militia officer with the East Coast Signal Regiment, commanding the latter unit as a Lieutenant Colonel between 31 August 1957 and 22 June 1960, and later serving as a staff officer (G.S.O. (1)) at Eastern Command HQ , 4th Military Group HQ between 1960 and 1964. In civilian life, MacKinnon spent 40 years with Martime Tel and Tels, retiring as Vice President (Planning) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A hard copy reserach file, which includes his service record as well as an obituary, accompanies his group, which is swing mounted as worn.

Good VF Condition $250

One. Efficiency Medal (GVI) with CANADA suspension. Named to PTE. B. BROWN WEST NSR. Accompanied by War Service Badge numbered 215213 and a Second World War era West Nova Scotia Regiment cap badge. Burton Brown enlisted on 2 September 1939 in Sydney, Nova Scotia with the Cape Breton Highlanders (service number F-54708) and transferred to the West Nova Scotia Regiment (WNSR) on 14 December 1939 at Aldershot, Nova Scotia. He proceeded overseas with the WNSR, arriving in England on 31 December 1939. He served with various training units until 18 February 1944, qualifying as a driver on all vehicles used by his regiment, before deploying to Italy, disembarking on 3 March 1944. He fought there with the regiment until 17 March 1945, when he was deployed to France, campaigning there until war's end. Brown was returned to England from North West Europe on 4 June 1945, and then sailed from the UK on 20 June 1945 to Halifax, where he was discharged in August. Brown does not appear to have been wounded during his service. He briefly re-enrolled in 6 Independent Field Battery in April 1962, serving for 2 months, and being discharged in June. Burton Brown passed away in Sydney, Nova Scotia on 4 February 1994. Hard copy research with the medal includes his Second World War service file, confirmation of the award of his Efficiency Medal in Canadian Army G.O. 223 of 4 August 1945, and a copy of his obituary. Brown's service suggests he would have qualified for the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas bar, and War Medal 1939-45, although the copy of his service file, which was requested some time ago and is heavily redacted, does not include his medal card. More research possible.

Good VF Condition $275

Six. 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal (Canadian issue), Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas bar, War Medal 1939-45, and Memorial Cross (GVI). Memorial Cross named to A.11453 Pte. R.B. LANG. Electronic copy of Lang's service file which accompanies the group indicates that Ronald Bell Lang died of wounds received in action on 22 January 1944, while serving with the 48th Highlanders in Italy. Lang was born in Owen Sound, Ontario in 1913, and he joined the Perth Regiment (MG) at Stratford, Ontario on 26 September 1939, indicating that he was employed as a knitter at the time of his enrollment, and that he had 2 years of previous military service with the "Owen Sound Grey's" back in 1935. Lang was single, listing his mother, who lived in Owen Sound, as his next of kin. served overseas with the Perth Regiment and the 3rd Canadian Infantry Replacement Unit in England from November 1941-October 1943, when he embarked for the Mediterranean Theatre, joining the 48th Highlanders on 9 November 1943. Lang was wounded on 21 January 1944, dying of his wounds the following day. He is buried in the Commmonwealth War Graves Commission's Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy. Lang's medals and the Memorial Cross issued in his memory, which were sent to his mother, are accompanied by his identity disk and a War Service Badge numbered 1252593 (likely not Lang's, but possibly a relatives).

Good VF Condition $1100

One. Memorial Cross (EIIR). Named to D-127288 CPL. M.L.P.A.M. BELLE-ISLE. In original case of issue, with cardboard shipping box and card. Un-researched, but likely awarded to the next of kin of a soldier who died after the Second World War of a cause attributed to service.

Good VF Condition $250

One. Memorial Cross (GVI). Named to F.S. PILOT J.P. RICHARDSON R-58721. James Patrick Richardson was a Flight Sergeant Pilot, originally from Vancouver, BC, who served with 142 Squadron RAF. He was killed when the Welington Bomber he was piloting crashed during a forced landing as a result of losing engine power during bad weather. His aircraft crashed at Scole Road, Diss, Norfolk, on 14 July 1942, with only the rear gunner surviving. Richardson is buried in the CWGC's Brockwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom. Cross has been modified with pinback for wear. Cross is accompanied by an electronic research file, including a copy of Richardson's service file, as well as some images and press clippings found online.

Good VF Condition $500

Seven. 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, War Medal 1939-45, and Canadian Forces Decoration. CD named to MAJ J.J.R. GAGNON. Gagnon was a Major in the Royal Canadian Artillery with service number TD-50267. He received his Canadian Forces Decoration in Army Order 785 of 9 November 1964. Group is otherwise unresearched.

Good VF Condition $350

One. Birks Memorial Bar. Named S/SGT. R.W. LAMB R.C.A.S.C. DIED IN HIS COUNTRY'S SERVICE 24 AUG 1944. With issue card holder for bar, and a CWGC folder that holds photos of Lamb's grave as well as a press clipping with an image of him, noting he had died of wounds. Reuben William Lamb was born on 14 October 1942 at Regina, Saskatchewan. He moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 1929, and was working as a chauffeur there and serving in the 5th British Columbia Coast Bde (NPAM) when he enlisted for active service in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps on 13 September 1939. He qualified as a Clerk Group B, and was posted to 3rd Canadian Division Petrol Company, RCASC on 19 June 1940. He was quickly promoted through the ranks of A/Corporal, A/Sergeant, and A/Staff Sergeant, before being confirmed in the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 September 1940. Embarking for overseas at Halifax on 31 July 1941, he arrived at Liverpool on 19 August. He was transferred to 3rd Division Troops Coy, RCASC and later to 9th Cdn Inf Bde Coy, RCASC, landing in France with his unit on 12 July 1944. Lamb was wounded by shrapnel from enemy aircraft bombardment of elements of the 9th Cdn Infantry Bde Coy RCASC on 21 August 1944 at Ouilly-le-Tesson, and died three days later. He is buried at the CWGC's Bretteville-sur-Laize Cemetery, Calvados, France. The 9th Cdn Inf Bde Coy RCASC War Diary of 25 August has an entry that notes "Advice received that S/Sgt Lamb died of wounds received on 21 Aug., he was one of the 3 Div Pet Coy originals, as star athlete, very popular, and will be greatly missed." In addition to the documents described above and illustrated in the accompanying photos, the bar is also accompanied by hard copy service record and war diary extracts An unusual grouping to a casualty of an air attack on rear-echelon support elements.

Good VF Condition $450

Five. 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal (cupro-nickel), War Medal 1939-45 (cupro-nickel), 1937 Coronation Medal, and Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GV). LSGC named 7717037 S. SJT. W. JONES M.P.S.C. SSjt W. Jones served in the Military Provost Staff Corps. This medal group was previously sold in Dix Noonan Webb Auction Sale of 14 September 2012 as lot #977. Jones' service is unresearched. Medals are court-mounted and lacquered in style typical of Don Tresham, Invicta International (Ottawa), a well-known collector of medals to military police.

Good VF Condition $250

Two. Australian War Service Medal and War Medal 1939-45. Named to 146492 L.M. KAY. Un-researched. Court-mounted on card with plaque indicating Kay served in the R.A.A.F.

Good VF Condition $150

One. Efficiency Medal with TERRITORIAL suspender. Named to 2058389 GNR. R.J. CANNONS R.A. Unresearched. Loose on clean older ribbon.

Good VF Condition $160

Eight. 1939/45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Korea Medal, and UN Korea Medal with bar KOREA. SWW medals are un-named as issued, and Korea pair is named to D-801026 D.G. MAC DONALD With copy of service file indicating that David Gilchrist MacDonald enrolled in the Royal Canadian Artillery at Montreal, Quebec on 10 January 1941, with service number D-118085. He arrived in England on 19 April 1941, and served in Italy as a member of 5 Medium Regiment RCA from 8 November 1943 until 11 March 1945, when he deployed to France, finishing the war there. Gilchrist volunteered again during the Korean War, enlisting in the Canadian Army Special Force at Montreal on 16 August 1950 with service number D-801026. He served overseas in Korea with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment from 22 April 1941 until 4 May 1952. Medals are plated and court-mounted for wear on original soiled ribbons.

Good VF Condition $500

Five. British War Medal 1914-20, Defence Medal (Canadian issue), Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas clasp, War Medal 1939-45, and Memorial Cross (GVI). BWM named to 722137 PTE. H.R. ALLAN. 108-CAN. INF., Second World War medals un-named as issued, and Memorial Cross (GVI) named to M. 26927 Tpr. H.R. ALLAN. Allan was underaged when he joined the CEF during the First World War, and only served in England, receiving the British War Medal with rare naming to the 108th Battalion, which was broken up to provide reinforcements to other battalions at the front. Allan later re-enlisted at the outset of the Second World War, serving in the Calgary Regiment as a Trooper. He was killed on active service in England during training on 7 January 1942, dying of injuries sustained during the roll over of a bren gun carrier. He is buried in the CWGC's Brockwood Military Cemetery in Surrey, England. Details of his death, as well as some photos of him, can be found on VAC's Canadian Virtual War Memorial website. Medals are loose on original ribbons. A tragic group to a soldier of the Calgary Regiment with service in two conflicts.

Good VF Condition $800

One. Memorial Cross (GVI) Named to B.43613 PTE. A.J. PATTERSON. Alvin John Patterson was born in Tecumseh, Ontario on 7 March 1908. He was living in Hamilton when he enrolled in 6th LAA Regt RCA on 24 August 1942. His next of kin was indicated to be his mother, Mary Jane Patterson, who lived at 63 Hess Street North in Hamilton. He left Canada for England on 29 March 1943, arriving 5 April. He served with 3rd LAA Regt RCA from 27 April 1943, and was embarked for France as an artillery reinforcement on 17 July 1944, landing on the 18th. He joined 6 LAA Regt, RCA, and appears to have returned to the UK in October, returning to France as an infantry reinforcement in late December 1944, and joining the South Saskatchewan Regiment on 25 December. Patterson died in an accident, falling from the balcony of his hotel room at a leave centre in Brussels, Belgium on 11 May 1945, and fracturing his skull. A Court of Inquiry determined that his death was accidental. Patterson is buried in Evere Civilian Cemetery, Brussels, Belgium. A tragic Canadian Army casualty of the South Saskatchewan Regiment, who perished shortly after VE Day.

EF Condition $500

One. Indian War Service Medal. Un-named as issued. Loose on original ribbon.

Good VF Condn $40

One. Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVI) with "Canada" clasp. Named in impressed capital letters to A/SUB-CONDR. (W.O. CL. 1.) E.E. WRIGHT R.C.O.C.. Medal is loose mounted on clean older ribbon.

EF Condn $325

A selection of un-named Second World War medals

1939-45 War Medal in silver. Canadian Issue.

VF $45

1939-45 War Medal (British Issue). Cupro-nickel.

VF $30

Defence Medal. Canadian issue in silver.

VF $50

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal without clasp.

VF $50

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp.

VF $75

1939-45 Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $35

Italy Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $35

Atlantic Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $75

Africa Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $50

France and Germany Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $45

Burma Star. Unnamed as issued.

VF $75