Canada. A First War Pair, To Private Alfred Townsend, 24Th Infantry Battalion

1914-15 Star (65987 Pte A. TOWNSEND. 24/CAN:INF:); and Victory Medal (65987 PTE. A. TOWNSEND. 24-CAN.INF.). Naming is officially impressed. Un-mounted, residue in the recessed areas of the Star from cleaning, gilt wear on the VM, replacement ribbons, very fine.

Footnote: Alfred Townsend was born on February 4, 1873 in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England and later immigrated to Canada. He was a resident of Montreal, Quebec when he signed his Attestation Paper as a Private (65987) with the 24th Infantry Battalion "Victoria Rifles", on November 26, 1914 in Montreal, at the age of 41, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Annie Louisa Townsend (nee Baldwin), stating that he had twelve years' previous service with the Coldstream Guards, that he was Married, that his religion was Church of England and that his trade was that of Valet. The Battalion was raised and mobilized in Montreal, under the authority of G.O. 36, March 15, 1915. Private Townsend sailed from Montreal aboard the S.S. Cameronia on May 11, 1915, arriving in England on May 20th. Four months after arriving in England and after additional training, the 24th Infantry Battalion was recruited for overseas service in the French theatre, arriving in Boulogne, France on September 15, 1915. Private Townsend was admitted to No. 4 Canadian Field Ambulance with a case of "Influenza" on May 15, 1916 and was transferred to No. 5 Canadian Field Ambulance the same day. After eight days at No. 5 CFA, he was transferred and admitted to No. 2 Canadian Divisional Rest Station (DRS) on May 23rd, where he would recuperate for four days, before being discharged to duty on May 27th. Townsend was granted one Good Conduct Badge on November 26, 1916. Upon the ceasing of hostilities, he proceeded to England and was posted to "J" Wing of the Canadian Corps Camp (CCC) at Witley, for return to Canada. Upon arrival in Canada, he was taken on strength at No. 4 District Depot in Montreal on May 10, 1919. Private Alfred Townsend, 24th Infantry Battalion was discharged upon demobilization at Dispersal Station "E", Military District No. 4 in Montreal, on May 19, 1919, credited with having served in Canada, England and France, entitled to wear the War Service Badge, Class "A", number 273464. For his First World War service, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He died in 1938, at the age of 65.