Canada, CEF. A First War Group to Pte. Stanley Barr, KIA at Lens, August 23 1917

 A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 865385 PTE. S. BARR. 44-CAN. INF., dark patina, light wear, extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 865385 PTE. S. BARR. 44-CAN. INF., light wear and contact marks, remains near extremely fine.  

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse engraved 865385 PTE. S - BARR, 6 o’clock arm marked STERLING, measures 31.8 mm (w) x 34.8 mm (h), worn on a full length original purple neck ribbon, dark patina, light wear, very fine. Contained in original case of issue, black pebbled exterior featuring a crown, velvet removable medal bed, measures 68 mm (w) x 90 mm (h) x 20 mm (h), small divot in lid, otherwise very fine. 

An 181st Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, in browning copper, voided, measuring 35.3 mm (w) x 47.2 mm (h), both lugs intact, contact marks and surface wear, better than very fine.

Accompanied by multiple paper documents including a black and white photo postcard of private Barr, the medal cards, and original “On Active Service” letter addressed to Mr. Barr (dated September 20 1917), informing the family of Private Barr’s missing in action status, and decorative scroll for sacrificial service. 

Footnote: Stanley Barr was born to John and Phoebe Barr of Arden, Manitoba, on May 26, 1890. He enlisted with the 181st infantry battalion on April 5, 1916 in Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 25. 

Barr arrived in England via the S.S. Grampian on April 29, 1917. He was transferred to the 44th battalion in June 1917. He was reported missing in action in the field on August 23, 1917. He was later reported killed in action, on or before that date. 

On 23 August 1917, the 44th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (Manitoba Regiment) was engaged in the fighting around Lens, France, as part of the Canadian Corps’ operations to draw German forces away from the main British offensive at Passchendaele.

The 44th (part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division) was heavily involved in the assault on the industrial city of Lens, particularly the fortified suburb of Cité St. Auguste. From 21–25 August 1917, the Canadians mounted a series of costly attacks against strongly defended German trench systems, concrete blockhouses, and fortified cellars.