Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Cross to Sgt. Effinger, Died of Wounds at Vimy Ridge, 1917

In silver, reverse engraved 47850 SGT. S.E. EFFINGER. M.M., marked STERLING on 6 o’clock arm, worn on a period constructed silver and purple beaded necklace, light wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Stanley Ernest Effinger was born in Selkirk, Ontario in July 1892. He was employed as a butter maker in Selkirk when he enlisted with the 37th Battalion on May 31, 1915 at Niagara. 

He was wounded in action when putting up wire entrapments on August 30, 1915, resulting in a smashed right hand and deformity to the middle finger. He was hospitalized until November 1915.

In January 1916, he was taken on strength by the 154th battalion while arriving in France. In July 1916, he was transferred to the 15th battalion. 

The citation for his Military Medal, awarded April 4, 1917, states “This N.C.O took command of his platoon after the platoon commander was killed. At this time the platoon had suffered many casualties and the men had become scattered. Showing an utter disregard for his personal safety he rallied his platoon and reorganized them in the face of the enemy’s fire and at all times his bravery was exemplary.” 

Effinger “was wounded in the right tibia during the attack on Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. He was attended to, and evacuated to No. 13 General Hospital, Boulogne, where he succumbed to his wounds later.” After being dangerously ill for the following month, he was reported officially to have died of wounds on May 9, 1917.