Canada, CEF. A Memorial Cross, Sniper Robert Neville, 1917

GRV (193137 Pte. R. NEVILLE). In sterling silver, .925 minimum silver standard marked, maker marked with an "R" (Roden Brothers Limited of Toronto) and arked "STERLING" on the reverse, measuring 31.8 mm (w) x 35 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, on a full-length sterling silver neck chain with clasp closure, wear evident in the engraved naming, contact marks, fine.

Footnote: Robert Neville was born on September 10, 1885 in Vermont, Virginia, United States. He was a resident of Hamilton, Ontario when he enlisted as a Private (193137) with the 92nd Infantry Battalion (48th Highlanders), on September 1, 1915 in Hamilton, just shy of the age of 30, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Gertrude Neville of Hamilton, stating that he had three years' previous service with the American Navy, that he was Married, that his religion was Presbyterian and that his trade was that of Electrician and Iron Worker. The Battalion was raised and mobilized in Toronto, Ontario under the authority of G.O. 103A, August 15, 1915. The Battalion sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 22, 1916 aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.G. Chisholm with a strength of 36 officers and 1,096 other ranks, arriving in England on May 29th, where the Battalion was absorbed into the 5th Reserve Battalion. Private Neville was found to be drunk and absent without leave on two occasions: June 2, 1916 and July 14, 1916. After the second occurrence, he was sentenced to Field Punishment No. 2, which involved the sentenced soldier being placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object, as per Field Punishment No. 1. Private Neville was transferred to the 42nd Infantry Battalion on September 27, 1916, arriving in France the following day, on the 28th. He left for his new unit on October 13th, joining them in the field on October 20th. He is acknowledged as having attended a Sniping Course with the Canadian Corps School from November 5 to 28, 1916, after which he returned to his unit. Private Robert Neville was with the 42nd Infantry Battalion when he was Killed in Action on January 21, 1917. He is buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery in Mont-St. Eloi, Department of the Pas-de-Calais, France, Grave: IV. B. 15 and is commemorated on page 301 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. In his Military Will, dated August 22, 1916, Neville stated that "In event of my death I leave all of my effects and money to my wife Mrs. Robert Neville of Hamiltom, Canada, Ont." His British War Medal and Victory Medal, along with his Memorial Plaque and Scroll were issued to his wife, Gertrude Neville. Two Memorial Crosses were issued in July 1920, one to his wife, Gertrude, the other to his mother, Margarete Neville of Hamilton.