Canada. A Canada General Service Medal and North West Canada Medal to Gunner J. Perry, Montreal G.A

A Canada General Service Medal, in silver, rim impressed Gr. J. Perry, Montreal G.A., with FENIAN RAID 1870 clasp, light wear and small edge bruises, very fine. 

A North West Canada Medal, in silver, rim engraved G’NR. JAMES PERRY. M.G.A., light contact, dark patina around the edge, very fine. 

A Coronation of King Edward VII Medal, in bronze, measures 31 mm (w) x 45.1 mm (h), dark patina, light wear, very fine. 

All medals have been attached to a thin green cardstock strip for display. 

Footnote: James Perry is on the Medal Roll for the Canada General Service Medal, and was designated as “in action, Trout River, 1870.” The Montreal Garrison, composed of British regular troops and Canadian militia units including local artillery and infantry corps, formed a key element of Canada’s urban defence network during the Fenian Raids. Positioned to protect one of British North America’s most important commercial and transport centres, the garrison was responsible for safeguarding government buildings, rail links, arms depots, and river crossings, while maintaining readiness against potential incursions from the United States. Its mobilisation reflected the growing reliance on Canadian citizen-soldiers for national defence and played a formative role in the development of Canada’s post-Confederation military structure, marking an early step toward a professionalised, nationally organised armed force.

Gunner James Perry is also on the Medal Roll for the North West Canada Medal. He was 29 and married at the time of his service. During the North-West Rebellion, the Montreal Garrison, including militia units such as the Montreal Garrison Artillery and local infantry, provided critical support to Canada’s response to the Métis and Indigenous uprising in the North-West Territories. While many units were deployed west to reinforce operations at key engagements like Batoche, elements of the garrison remained in Montreal to maintain security, guard strategic infrastructure, and prepare reinforcements. The mobilisation illustrated the continued role of urban garrisons in Canada as both a staging point for expeditionary forces and a stabilising presence at home, reflecting the integration of local militia into national defence during domestic conflicts.