Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to Corporal Collins, 15th Infantry Battalion

A two-piece swingmounted bar, measuring 70 mm in width, horizontal pin on reverse, replacement ribbons: 

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 603159 A.L. CPL. W. COLLINS. 15-CAN. INF., light contact marks, patina around edges, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, rim impressed 603159 A.L. CPL. W. COLLINS. 15-CAN. INF.,  loss of gilt, light contact marks, near very fine. 

Footnote: William Collins was born in Hespeler, Ontario in 1896. Prior to the war he was employed as a machinist, with two years of service with the 29th Regiment. He enlisted on August 30, 1915 in Galt, at the age of 19.  

Collins arrived in England in September 1915, and later served with the 15th Battalion in France beginning in February 1916.

In October 1916, he suffered wounds and a concussion from a shell. 

In January 1917, he was promoted to acting lance corporal with pay. By November, he was deprived of the acting lance for neglect of duty. 

In August 1918, he was in confinement awaiting trial, being convicted for being drunk on active service, and committing assault “by striking one Marie Alasseur” for which he was sentenced to 28 days, and forfeited 42 days pay. 

He was discharged due to demobilization in July 1919.