Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte. Searle, Pioneer Battalion, KIA June 1917

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 138963 PTE. W.J. SEARLE. CAN. PNR. BN., minor contact marks to edges, very dark patina, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 138963 PTE. W.J. SEARLE. CAN. PNR. BN., minor contact marks, extremely fine. 

A Memorial Plaque, in bronze, named to WILLIAM JAMES SEARLE, measures 120 mm (d), residue and large pits on reverse, discolouration on obverse, light contact, better than fine condition. 

A 75th Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, in browning copper, voided, unmarked, measures 46.2 mm (w) x 47.2 mm (h), both lugs intact on the reverse, minor wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: William James Searle was born in Essex, England in April 1888. He was employed as farm labourer when he enlisted on August 30, 1915 in Toronto. He arrived in France in June 1916, and was taken on strength of the 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. He was transferred to the 75th Battalion in May 1917. 

Searle was killed in action on June 8, 1917, at the attack of La Coulotte. 

On 28–29 June 1917, during the fighting around La Coulotte (a fortified mining village south of Lens, France), the 75th Infantry Battalion (Mississauga Battalion), CEF, part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, was committed to an attack intended to improve Canadian positions gained after Vimy.

The 75th went forward against strongly held German trenches and fortified mine workings. They faced withering machine-gun and artillery fire, and the assault quickly turned into brutal close combat in and around the shattered slag heaps and dugouts. Despite determined efforts, the attack was largely unsuccessful due to the strength of German defenses and heavy counter-fire. The battalion suffered very heavy casualties, and La Coulotte remained in German hands until the larger Canadian offensive at Hill 70 in August 1917.