Canada, CEF. A First War Lot to Pte. A. Smith, 5th Infantry Battalion, KIA June 1917

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 886449 A. SJT. A. SMITH. 5-CAN. INF.,  worn with the victory medal ribbon (sewn closed), notable contact marks and edge bruises, dark patina around edges and on reverse, near very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 886449 A. SJT. A. SMITH. 5-CAN. INF., worn on war medal ribbon (sewn closed), notable contact marks and heavy gilt wear, near very fine. 

A Memorial Cross, silver, full size, reverse engraved 886449 PTE. A. SMITH., marked STERLING on 6 o’clock arm, worn on a thin, short replacement burgundy ribbon, lovely patina, near extremely fine. 

A Silver Medal, in silver, presenting a shield on the obverse engraved 886449 PTE. A. SMITH, the reverse 5TH C.I. BATTN. FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2ND CAN INFTY BDE 1917, marked with silver hallmarks, marked WJD denoting William James Dingley manufacture, measures 28.4mm (w) x 39.6mm (h), worn on a small thin black ribbon, light wear, extremely fine. 

A 188th Infantry Battalion”Saskatchewan Battalion” Cap Badge, browning copper, reverse plain, two lugs intact with pin, measures 37.0 mm (w) x 44.6 mm (h), light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Arthur Smith was born in Yorkshire, England, in April 1891. He was living in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan with his wife, Eleanor, and working as an office clerk when he enlisted for the 188th Battalion at Prince Albert on March 9, 1916. 

Smith was appointed Corporal with pay in November 1916, and Acting Sergeant on December 31, 1916 while in England. He was transferred to the 15th Reserve Battalion in January 1917 and travelled overseas in April with the 5th Battalion, during which time his rank was reverted. 

He was reported killed in action on June 28, 1917, likely during the Capture of Avion. 

In June 1917, the 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Western Cavalry), part of the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Canadian Division, was operating in the Arras sector of northern France, specifically south of the Souchez River. This period followed the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge in April and was marked by a series of smaller but strategically important engagements intended to push German forces back and gain ground in preparation for larger offensives. From June 3 to 25, the battalion was engaged in trench holding and preparatory operations in this sector, which included skirmishes and raids aimed at weakening enemy defenses. In the final days of the month, from June 26 to 29, the 5th Battalion took part in the Capture of Avion, a town situated just south of the Souchez River. This action was part of a broader Canadian effort to secure positions leading toward the city of Lens, a key German stronghold. Although not a large-scale battle like Vimy or Passchendaele, these operations were crucial in shaping the battlefield for the major assaults that would follow later in the summer, including the Battle of Hill 70 in August. The 5th Battalion’s role in June 1917 was therefore one of sustained frontline service, marked by patrols, trench warfare, and incremental advances under difficult conditions.