Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte. D.F. Torrance, 24th Battalion, KIA at St. Eloi, 1916

 A 1914-15 Star, in bronze, full size, reverse impressed 65985 PTE. D.F. TORRANCE. 24/CAN:INF:, light wear, light loss of gilt, very fine. 

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim officially impressed 65985 PTE. F. F. TORRANCE, 24-CAN. INF., light wear, lovely patina, wear to reverse edge at 11 o’clock, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim officially impressed 65985 PTE. F. F. TORRANCE, 24-CAN. INF., minor wear and loss of gilt, very fine. 

A Memorial Plaque, in bronze, full size, named to JACK ALEXANDER WOODHOUSE, light wear, plastic residue on reverse, small drilled hole at 12 o’clock, very fine. 

A 24th Battalion Infantry Cap Badge, browning copper, reverse bears two lugs, marked TIPTAFT B’HAM, measures 34 mm (w) x 39 mm (h), light wear, very fine.

Footnote: Donald Fraser Torrance was born in April 1891, in Montreal. He was employed as a clerk when he enlisted for the war on October 24, 1914. He arrived in England via the S.S. Cameronia in May 1915. 

Torrance was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the head on March 27, 1916. 

On March 27, 1916, the 24th Battalion (Victoria Rifles of Canada), CEF, was engaged in the opening of the Actions of St. Eloi Craters near Ypres, Belgium. That day, British mines were detonated under German positions, creating massive craters, and the Canadian Corps was ordered to seize and hold the new ground. The 24th Battalion, part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division, moved into the forward area in support of the assaulting units and began occupying portions of the shattered front line. They endured severe shellfire, waterlogged craters, and chaotic conditions, which marked the start of a prolonged and costly struggle to control the craters.