Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to Pte. Wate, 54th Battalion, KIA at the Battle of Amiens, August 1918

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim officially impressed 102747 PTE. J.P. WATE. 54-CAN.INF., light wear, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim officially impressed102747 PTE. J.P. WATE. 54-CAN.INF., light wear and small scratches to gilt, near very fine. 

A 67th Infantry Battalion “Western Scots” Glengarry Badge, in brass, voided, reverse bears two intact lugs, measures 51mm (w) x 50mm (h), light wear and knocks to edges, remains very fine. 

Footnote: John Pinkney Wate was born in Sunderland, England on September 11, 1897. He enlisted with the 67th Battalion in Vancouver, B.C on February 17, 1915 at the age of 18. 

Wate left Halifax on April 1, 1916, arriving in England 10 days later. He then proceeded overseas with the 67th Battalion to France in August. Throughout 1917, he was transferred to the 102nd battalion in the field, then to the 4th Canadian Division Salvage Company. In July 1917, he was transferred to the 54th Battalion. He was awarded a good conduct badge on June 22, 1918. 

Wate was killed in action on August 8, 1918. 

On August 8, 1918, the 54th Battalion (Kootenay), CEF, advanced as part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, during the opening of the Battle of Amiens. Moving behind the leading assault waves, the battalion pushed through fog and smoke to clear German support trenches and strongpoints east of Amiens. Despite scattered machine-gun fire and shelling, the 54th captured prisoners, secured its objectives, and helped drive the enemy back several miles in the stunning Allied breakthrough that marked the start of the Hundred Days Offensive.