Canada, CEF. A Memorial Group to Charles Perkins, 116th Canadian Infantry, KIA August 1918 at the Battle of the Scarpe

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 775906 PTE C. PERKINS. 116-CAN.INF., original ribbon, patina with visible wear, very fine condition. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed PTE. C. PERKINS. 116-CAN.INF, original ribbon, visible wear to rim, very fine. 

A 126th Peel Canadian Overseas cap badge in pickled bronze, two lugs on reverse. Measuring 48mm (w) x 46mm (h) and showing minor oxidation on reverse fine. 

A Memorial Plaque in bronze, named to ‘CHARLES PERKINS’, obverse marked ‘E.Cr.P’ and reverse maker marked ‘WA’ (Royal Arsenal, Woodwich) measuring at 121mm in diameter, near extremely fine.

Footnote: Charles Perkins was born on March 31, 1895, in Devonshire, England. A sheet metal mechanic by trade, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on February 28, 1916, in Brampton, Ontario, just one month shy of his 21st birthday.

In June 1916, Perkins contracted measles and was admitted to Niagara Casualty Hospital, where he remained until being discharged back to duty on June 30. On August 14, 1916, he departed Halifax with the 126th Overseas Peel Battalion, arriving in Liverpool, England ten days later. He was later taken on strength by the 116th Battalion, arriving in France on February 11, 1917.

On July 28, 1917, his medical records list the diagnosis P.U.O.(Pyrexia of Unknown Origin) commonly used for undiagnosed fever. 

He was granted a 14 day leave starting December 30, 1917, and rejoined his unit on January 13, 1918. His records indicate that on April 6, 1918, he was awarded a Good Conduct Badge. 

The 116th Battalion is credited with participation  in the Battle of the Scarpe, a battle of the Hundred Days Offensive, from August 26–30, 1918. While the 116th Battalion was stationed, it was reported from base that Private Perkins was killed in action on August 27, 1918. Private Perkins is buried at the Vimy Memorial in Pas-de-Calais, France.