Canada, CEF. A First War Medal Group to L/Cpl E. Richards, 7th Canadian Infantry

A 1914-15 Star, bronze, full size, reverse impressed 17274 PTE. E. RICHARDS. 7/CAN:INF:, slightly stained original ribbon, light wear, very fine. 

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 17274 L-CPL. E. RICHARDS. 7-CAN.INF., original ribbon, dark patina, extremely fine condition. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 17274 L.CPL. E. RICHARDS. 7-CAN.INF., replacement ribbon, small edge nicks, light wear, very fine. 

A 7th Battalion ‘1 British Columbia’ Cap Badge, in browning copper and white metal insignia, reverse bears two lugs, measures 43.9 mm (w) x 45.2 mm (h), minor wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Edward Richards was born in England in 1880. He served with the 6th D.C.O.R Vancouver for 6 years prior to enlisting for the war in September 1914, at the age of 34. 

He was admitted to hospital numerous times throughout the War. In 1915, he suffered from gas poison after serving at Ypres, a gunshot wound to the arm and back, and multiple shrapnel wounds, all separate occasions. In November 1918, for inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). He was discharged in December 1918, and demobilized in March 1919. 

The 7th Battalion was raised in British Columbia and mobilized at Camp Valcartier, Quebec under the authority of P.C.O. 2067, August 6, 1914, sailing on October 3, 1914 with a strength of 47 officers and 1,176 other ranks, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. Hart-McHarg. The Battalion served in France and Belgium with the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. It was disbanded on September 15, 1920.