Canada, CEF. A First War Lot to Pte. Abrams, Canadian Forestry Corps

 A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 298012 PTE. O. L. ABRAMS. C.F.C., light wear, near extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 298012 PTE. O. L. ABRAMS. C.F.C., gilt wear and spotting throughout the medal, very fine.

A 224th Infantry Battalion “Canadian Forestry Battalion” Cap Badge, in pickled copper, voided, two lugs on reverse, measures 46 mm (w) x 48 mm (h), unmarked, extremely fine.

Two 224th Infantry Battalion “Canadian Forestry Battalion” Collar Badges, in pickled copper, voided, two lugs on the reverse, measures 30mm (w) x 30mm (h), both in extremely fine condition. 

Two 224th Infantry Battalion Shoulder Titles, in brass, voided, two lugs on the reverse, measures 44mm (w) x 27mm (h) each, very fine condition. 

Footnote: Oscar Leonard Abrams was born in Cornwall, Ontario in February 1887. He was employed as an engineer with 14 months experience with the 51st regiment, when he enlisted with the 224th Canadian Forestry Battalion, on March 17, 1916 in Montreal.

Prior to this, he served in Russia from October 1915 until February 1916. 

He arrived  in England in May 1916, and proceeded to France in April, 1917. At the time he was serving with the 29th Company, CFC. In December 1917, he fell ill and returned to England in January 1918. Medical records state “contracted acute war nephritis in Nov, 1917.”

From April to December 1917, the 224th Canadian Forestry Battalion served an essential support role in the First World War by providing timber and engineering materials for Allied operations. After arriving in the United Kingdom, the unit was absorbed into the Canadian Forestry Corps and deployed to forestry camps in both England and France. There, the men of the 224th conducted logging, operated sawmills, and produced timber used for trench supports, railway ties, dugouts, and other military infrastructure. Their work was particularly critical during major campaigns such as the Battle of Passchendaele, where the need for wooden materials was immense. Though not a combat unit, the 224th’s contribution was vital to the success and sustainability of front-line operations, freeing up combat troops and ensuring the smooth delivery of supplies across the Western Front.

Abrams was demobilized in 1919 and returned to Canada.