A Great War ‘Passchendaele 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lieutenant A. J. Stark, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (117548 Cpl. A. J. Stark. 2/Can: M.R.); 1914-15 Star (117548 Pte. A. J. Stark. 2/Can: Mtd: Rif:); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. A. J. Stark.) good very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Single-handed he engaged ten of the enemy who were approaching his post, killed four and drove off the remainder. He also carried out valuable reconnaissances, and showed splendid courage and resource.’

Arthur James Stark was born in Northumberland on 17 February 1884. He attested at Calgary, Alberta, on 12 January 1915, a rancher by trade with nine years’ previous service with the 12th Lancers. He arrived in England on 9 October 1915, and was taken on the strength of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles in January 1916. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 1st Central Ontario Regiment on 23 November 1918.

Sold with copied attestation papers and record of service, together with Battalion War Diary extracts for the operations on Passchendaele Ridge in October and November 1917.