Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte. J.A. Woodhouse, 27th Battalion, KIA at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, 1916

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim officially impressed 623208 PTE. J.A. WOODHOUSE. 27-CAN. INF., light wear, lovely patina, near extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim officially impressed 623208 PTE. J.A. WOODHOUSE. 27-CAN. INF., minor wear and scratches, very fine. 

A Memorial Plaque, in bronze, full size, named to JACK ALEXANDER WOODHOUSE, light wear, research sticker on reverse, very fine. 

A 44th Battalion Infantry Cap Badge, in pickled copper, two lugs on reverse, unmarked, measures 36.5mm (w) x 43.3 mm (h), light contact, extremely fine condition. 

A Manitoba Dragoons Cap Badge, in silvered metal, voided, two vertical lugs on the reverse, measures 48.5 mm (w) x 35 mm (h), light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Jack Alexander Woodhouse was born in 1893, in Fort William, Ontario. He was employed as a hardware clerk, with two years of service with the 12th Manitoba Dragoons when he enlisted on October 18, 1915. 

Woodhouse was killed in action, in the field, on September 15, 1916. He is buried at the Vimy Memorial. 

On September 15, 1916, the 27th Battalion (City of Winnipeg), CEF, fought in the opening assault of the Battle of Flers–Courcelette during the Somme offensive. As part of the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division, they advanced behind the leading battalions toward the village of Courcelette, moving through heavy machine-gun and artillery fire to secure and consolidate captured positions. The day marked the first use of tanks in battle, though their effect was limited. The 27th helped hold the new line against German counterattacks, contributing to the capture of the village later that day.