The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A Second World War and Korea campaign group of seven awarded to Captain J. F. Carson, Canadian Army, a “Canloan” officer who was attached to the Highland Light Infantry in the North-West Europe operations 1944-45 and afterwards witnessed action in Korea with the Royal 22nd Regiment

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, silver; Korea 1950-53, silver (ZB. 3392 F. J. Carson); U.N. Korea 1950-54, French type (ZB. 3392 F. J. Carson), extremely fine (7) £700-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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J. F. “Jim” Carson was among that gallant body of Canadian officers who volunteered for active service under the “Canloan” scheme, himself seeing action with the 10th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, in the North-West Europe operations 1944-45. Having then returned to civilian life as a social worker, in common with other ex-Canloan officers he volunteered for Korea, where he served in the Royal 22nd Regiment. And, judging by the following extract from Wilfred I. Smith’s Code Word Canloan, his ex-military training and sense of duty remained embodied in his character for many years to come:

‘On New Year’s Eve 1976, when he was returning home on a Toronto subway train, he jumped to the defence of two Sikhs who were being bullied by a group of young rowdies. He received a broken nose and bruised shins for his trouble, but, as the Canadian Review reported, ‘his courageous stand against ugly racism made Jim an instant hero. The Sikh Society presented him with a splendid Sikh ceremonial sword and his courage has been responsible for a revulsion (against hooliganism] by the community.’ ’

Sold with a copy of the above quoted book, together with one or two cards from the recipient, some copied photographs and other pertinent research.