Canada, CEF. A First War Medal Trio, CASC

A first war medal grouping of three medals, consisting of:

1. A 1914/15 Star. Instituted in December 1918. Constructed of bronze, consisting of a four-pointed star, the obverse with two crossed swords with their blades upwards, overlaid by a wreath of oak leaves, with the Royal Cypher of King George V at the base of the wreath and an overlaying central scroll inscribed “1914-15”, the reverse is plain, impressed with “30359 CPL. A.W. Canham, Can. A.S.C”, on a crown ensign for suspension from its period original ribbon fastened to a horizontal medal bar, measuring 44.8 mm (w) x 61.7 mm (l).

2. A British War Medal. Instituted July 26th, 1919. Consisting of a circular silver (tested) medal, suspended from a single-toe horizontal medal bar from a period original ribbon, the obverse depicting the leftward facing effigy of King George V and inscribed “Georgivs V Britt: Omn: Rex Et Ind: Imp:” (George V, King of all the British Isles and Emperor of India) in capital letters, the reverse depicts Saint George naked on horseback and armed with a sword, the horse trampling on the Prussian eagle shield as well as skull and crossbones, along with ocean waves and a rising sun in the background, as well as the years “1914” and “1918”, inscribed on the edge “30359 SJT. A.W. Canham, C.A.S.C”, measuring 36.2 mm in diameter. 

3. A United Kingdom Victory Medal. Instituted September 1st, 1919. Consisting of a circular bronze medal, the obverse depicting a winged, full-length, full-front, figure of “Victory” with her left arm extending and holding a palm branch in her right hand, the reverse inscribed “The Great War for Civilisation” in capitalized lettering within a full laurel wreath, inscribed on the edge “30359 SJT. A.W. Canham, C.A.S.C”, measuring 36.4 mm in diameter.

Footnote: According to his attestation papers, Arthur William Canham was born on February 19th, 1885 in Suffolk England. At the time of enlistment, however, he lived in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He listed “Mrs. Canham” as his next of kin, worked as a Boiler Worker before enlistment, and was unmarried.