Canada, CEF. A First War Lot to Pte. A. Harlock, 46th Battalion, Died of Wounds, 1917

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 781718 PTE. A. HARLOCK. 46-CAN. INF., minor wear, dark patina, extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 781718 PTE. A. HARLOCK. 46-CAN. INF., light wear and areas of gilt loss, remains very fine. 

A 128th Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, in browning copper, voided, unmarked, measures 38.9 mm (w) x 43.8 mm (h), lugs intact on reverse, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Albert Harlock was born in October 1891 in Lincolnshire, England. He was employed as a carpenter in Glenside, Saskatchewan, when he enlisted in January 1916. 

Harlock embarked to England via the SS. Grammarian in August 1916. He was taken on strength for the 128th Battalion. He was later attached to the 46th Battalion. 

On August 22, 1917 he was reported dangerously wounded  following a gunshot wound to the thigh. He died of wounds the following day, on August 23, 1917, at casualty clearing station no. 7. 

In August 1917, the 46th Battalion, CEF—known as the “Suicide Battalion” for its exceptionally high casualty rate—was engaged in the Battle of Hill 70 near Lens, France. On 22 August the unit fought in the brutal struggle around the Green Crassier, where it endured heavy losses while holding captured ground against repeated German counter-attacks, contributing to the Canadian Corps’ costly but successful effort to pin down enemy forces and secure the high ground north of the city.