Canada. A Memorial Cross To Private Harris ; Dow Sustained During The Battle Of Flers-Courcelette

Canada; George V (451233 Pte. W.R. HARRIS). Naming is engraved. Sterling silver, marked "STERLING" and hallmarked on the reverse, on shortened replacement neck ribbon, light contact and surface wear, better than very fine.

Footnote: William Rupert Harris was born on April 29, 1882 in London, England and later immigrated to Canada. He signed his Attestation Paper as a Private (451233) with the 58th Infantry Battalion, on June 30, 1915 at Niagara Camp, at the age of 33, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Louise Harris of Toronto, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was Married and that his trade was that of Miner. His religion was Church of England. He sailed from Montreal, Quebec aboard the S.S. Hesperian on August 17, 1915 and was taken on strength of No. 3 Company at Shorncliffe on the 26th. Almost four months later, Private Harris was transferred to the 2nd Infantry Battalion for service in the French theatre, on December 13, 1915. He was taken on strength at the Base Depot in France on the 14th and joined his new unit in the field on the 26th. The following Summer, he was admitted to No. 1 Divisional Rest Station, on July 30, 1916, with a bout of Influenza. After nine days' recuperation, he rejoined his unit on August 8th. 451233 Private William Rupert Harris, 2nd Infantry Battalion (Eastern Ontario Regiment) was at No. 36 Casualty Clearing Station, when he died of wounds received in action during the first day of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, one of the battles of the Somme Offensive, passing away on September 15, 1916. He is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Méricourt-l'Abbé, Somme, France, Grave Reference: IV. D. 21. and is commemorated on page 99 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. His wife, Louisa Harris, received his 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Memorial Cross, Memorial Plaque and Scroll. She was also paid a War Service Gratuity of $116. Private Harris is listed on the 58th Infantry Battalion 1st Reinforcing Draft Nominal Roll.