Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte. Thomas, Died of Gas Poisoning, 1917

A Short First War Medal bar, swing mounted with horizontal pinback, comprising: 

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed 642770 PTE. H. THOMAS. 4-CAN. INF., light wear, very fine.
 
A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed 642770 PTE. H. THOMAS. 4-CAN. INF., light wear, very fine. 

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse engraved 642770 Pte H. THOMAS, and marked STERLING on the 6 o’clock arm, full size, worn on replacement black ribbon, light wear, very fine. Contained in the original case of issue, black leatherette exterior with interior silk and velvet, hinge does not fully snap closed, light wear and discolouration evident, near very fine. 

Two fibre ID tags worn on a string, each marked B72800 THOMAS EA CE CDS, very fine. 

Accompanied by a few pieces of paper ephemera, and photo copies of Thomas’s attestation papers. 

Footnote: Thomas Herbert was born in Collingwood in 1890. He was employed as a machine hand when he enlisted for the Great War in November 1915 with the 157th Overseas Battalion. Upon arriving in England, he was transferred to the 125th Battalion. In May 1917, he proceeded overseas with the 4th Battalion. 

He was dangerously wounded by gas in late September 1917. He was sent to casualty clearing station No. 6, but ultimately died of these wounds on October 1 1917. The 4th Battalion 1st Central Ontario Regiment was serving on the Western Front in France, specifically in the Lens sector during this time.