Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Cross to Pte F.S. Gerry, KIA 1918

In silver, full size, reverse engraved 727004 Pte. F. S. GERRY, worn on a thin chain, minor contact, lovely patina, very fine. 

Footnote: Frank Stewart Gerry was born in 1893, in Huron County, Ontario. Prior to enlisting  in November 1915 for the war effort, he worked for his father’s company as a hardware merchant. He took commission in London, and was appointed sergeant of the 110th Stratford Battalion. He served as a gas instructor at Shorncliffe, England, and reverted his rank to go to France in January 1917. 

In June 1918, while serving with the 4th C.M.R., he was thrown from his horse and spent several weeks in the hospital for a back and hip injury. He was released to duty in early August. 

Gerry was killed in action on August 28th, at the age of 27, while serving with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. His death likely occurred at the Battle of Scarpe, part of the Canadian Corps’ Hundred Days Offensive. He left behind a wife and young daughter, whom he never had the opportunity to meet.