Canada, CEF. A First War Medal Group to Pte. W.G. Hawkins, 5th Infantry

A 1914-15 Star, bronze, full size, reverse impressed 426466 PTE. W.G.AWKINS. 5/CAN:INF:, original ribbon, light wear to obverse, loss of finish, near very fine.

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 426466 PTE. W.G.AWKINS. 5-CAN. INF., original ribbon, light contact, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed  55776 PTE. W.A. BRYCE. 19th CAN. INF. BN., replacement ribbon, light wear, near extremely fine. 

A 46th Infantry “South Saskatchewan” Cap Badge, in pickled copper, two lugs on reverse, marked TIPTAFT BHAM on reverse, measures 33.4 mm (w) x 41.1 mm (h), light wear, very fine.

Footnote: William Goad Hawkins was born in Kent, England in 1886. Prior to enlisting to the war, he was employed as a decorator and had 3 years of military experience in Kent. He joined the war effort in February 1915 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was attached to the 32nd battalion in July 1915, in Shorncliffe. In October 1915, he was taken on strength with the 5th battalion in France. 

Throughout the war he was hospitalized for multiple ailments including gonorrhea in September 1915, gastritis in August 1916, a sprained ankle and flat feet in November 1916, and myalgia in January 1917. 

A medical report from late 1917 states that he was discharged due to arthritis, dated to October 6, 1916 at the Somme. The report states that the cause was exposure to adverse weather conditions. “He has pain and swelling in both ankles and feet, more marked on right side. There is thickening of both ankles below the internal malleoli and tenderness pressure. He walks with a marked limp, without any ankle play, though all movements of the ankle joints can be performed normally when he is sitting down. He can walk two miles at his own pace. He can raise himself on toes with difficulty. Other systems normal.” While treatment occurred in Ireland for one month, he was ultimately discharged.