Canada, CEF. A First War Medal Pair to Pte. Smith, Canadian Machine Gun Brigade

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed 15648 PTE. J.J. SMITH. C.M.G. BDE., full size, dark patina, wear to ribbon, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed 15648 PTE. J.J. SMITH. C.M.G. BDE., full size, light gilt wear, very fine. 

Footnote: John James Smith was born in Manchester, England in 1881. He was employed as a salesman when he enlisted on July 18, 1916 in Shornecliffe. 

He served with the Canadian Machine Gun Brigade. In 1917, Smith suffered from influenza.  He was admitted to the No. 12 General Hospital in Rouen in April 1918, after suffering a horse kick to the left leg. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a gunshot wound to the same leg. Smith was discharged in March 1919 due to demobilization. 

The Canadian Machine Gun Battalions were specialized infantry units formed during the First World War within the Canadian Expeditionary Force to provide concentrated machine gun support to divisional operations on the Western Front. Equipped primarily with Vickers medium machine guns, these battalions delivered sustained fire to support infantry assaults, defensive positions, and counter-battery operations.

Members of the CMGB were trained to operate in teams, transport and maintain heavy weapons under combat conditions, and coordinate with artillery and infantry to maximize battlefield effectiveness. Their deployment reflected the increasing mechanization of warfare during the Great War and the Canadian Army’s adaptation to modern combined-arms tactics. The CMGB units saw action in major engagements including Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and the Hundred Days Offensive, contributing significantly to the operational success of the Canadian Corps and earning recognition for discipline, technical skill, and battlefield effectiveness.