Canada, CEF. A Memorial Cross to Pte. Thorns, KIA June 1917

In silver, a memorial cross, reverse engraved 669429. PTE. P. THORNS., full size, reverse arm marked STERLING, light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Percy Thorns was born in Toronto Canada in March 1889. He had experience with the Queen’s Own Rifles when he enlisted on January 15, 1916, with the 166th battalion. 

He left Halifax in October 1916, arriving in England on the 28th of the month. He was transferred to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles on November 27th. He began serving in France in December 1916. 

Thorns was killed in action on June 3, 1917, while serving with the 5th regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. On this date, the 5th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles was serving as infantry on the Western Front in France, holding positions in the Vimy Ridge sector north of Arras with the 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. This period followed the capture of Vimy Ridge and was characterized by trench holding, patrols, and consolidation of former German positions, with the regiment exposed to routine shelling and front-line duties rather than major offensive operations.