Canada, CEF. A War Pair to Pte. Ernest Lloyd Sanders, KIA April 1916

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim officially impressed 135872 PTE. E. L. SANDERS. 19-CAN. INF., minor wear, lovely patina, extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim officially impressed  135872 PTE. E. L. SANDERS. 19-CAN. INF., minor wear and scratches, very fine. 

A 74th Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, in pickled copper, reverse bears two lugs and is marked TIPTAFT B’HAM, measures 51.6 mm (w) x 48.9 mm (h), light wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Ernest Lloyd Sanders was born in Bowmanville, Ontario in May 1894. He was employed as a clerk and living with his foster mother in Toronto when he enlisted on July 27, 1915. 

Sanders began serving with the 74th battalion. He arrived in England in November 1915 with the 36th Battalion, and was later transferred to the 19th Battalion in February 1916.

In April 1916, the 19th Battalion, part of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division, was holding the line in the Ypres Salient near St. Eloi after the fierce crater fighting that had begun in March. The battalion’s duties included manning trenches, repairing defenses, and enduring constant German shelling, sniper fire, and gas threats. Although not engaged in a major offensive that month, their work was essential in consolidating positions and maintaining stability on a dangerously active sector of the Western Front.

Sanders was killed in action on April 11, 1916 at the No. 4 Crater, St. Elooi, Belgium. He is memorialized at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.