Canada, CEF. A First War Group to Pte. G. Luscombe, 1st Ontario Regt, Died of Wounds 1916

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 401366 PTE. G. S. LUSCOMBE. 1-CAN.INF., original ribbon, lovely patina, extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 401366 PTE. G. S. LUSCOMBE. 1-CAN.INF., original ribbon, light gilt wear, remains near extremely fine. 

A Memorial Cross, in silver, full size, reverse engraved 401366 Pte. G. S. LUSCOMBE, marked STERLING on 6 o’clock arm, worn on thin purple ribbon, light toning and wear to finish, in very fine condition. 

A 33rd Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, in browning copper with gilt on the numbers, two lugs on the reverse, measures 35.6 mm (w) x 38.0 mm (h), very fine. 

Footnote: George Samuel Luscombe was born in Devon, England on November 28, 1896. Prior to enlisting on July 16, 1915, he was employed as a machinist apprentice in St. Thomas, Ontario. He sailed from Halifax to England via the S.S. Lapland in April 1916. 

He was admitted to the 1st Canadian Field Ambulance for PUO (pyrexia of unknown origin) in August 1916 for several days. On September 9, 1916, he suffered a gunshot wound. Shortly thereafter, Pte Luscombe died of wounds on the 16th of the same month, at the age of 19. 

His memorial cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Luscombe, in St. Thomas, Ontario. Pte. Luscombe was buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France. 

The 33rd Battalion was raised and mobilized in London, Ontario under the authority of G.O. 86, July 1, 1915. The Battalion sailed March 17, 1916 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. Wilson with a strength of 40 officers and 946 other ranks. The Battalion was absorbed into the 36th Infantry Battalion in England. It was disbanded on September 15, 1920.