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№ 67 x

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25 September 2019

Hammer Price:
£1,100

A Great War Western Front D.C.M. awarded to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant F. Armes, 4th Canadian Infantry, who was wounded at St Julien in May 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10620 Pte. F. Armes. 4/Can: I.B.); 1914-15 Star (10620 Pte. F. Armes. 4/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (10620 L.Cpl. F. Armes. 4-Can. Inf.) VM with rubbed naming, good very fine (4) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry. He voluntarily went out to repair a telephone wire during a heavy bombardment by the enemy. Although knocked over by a shell, he continued his work until communication was established.’

M.I.D.
London Gazette 21 June 1916.

Frederick Armes was born in Norwich on Christmas Day 1894, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Valcartier, Ontario, on 22 September 1914. Posted initially to the 12th Regiment, York Rangers, he served with the 4th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 February 1915, and saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres, 22-25 April 1915, including the attack on the Mauser Ridge. He was wounded at St. Julien in May 1915, and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Armes later saw action at the Battle of Givenchy in June 1915, and at the Battle of Mount Sorrell, Sanctuary Wood, in June 1916. He was present during the Battle of the Somme, and at Vimy Ridge, before returning to Canada on 10 October 1917. He was discharged in Toronto on 21 May 1919, whilst holding the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.

Sold with a large file of research, including various Memorial Service and Reunion Programmes.