Canada, CEF. A First War Memorial Group to Pte Karn, 54th Battalion, KIA at the Battle of Cambrai, 1918

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 270530 PTE. J. G. KARN. 54-CAN. INF., light wear, dark patina, extremely fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 270530 PTE. J. G. KARN. 54-CAN. INF., light wear and minor gilt loss, extremely fine. 

A Memorial Plaque, in bronze, full size, named to JAMES GRANT KARN, very fine. Contained in the original cardboard case.

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse engraved 270530 PTE. J. G. KARN., marked STERLING on reverse 6 o’clock arm, remnants of purple ribbon, very fine. Contained in original case black leatherette case with white silk/velvet interior, both very fine. 

Footnote: James Grant Karn was born in Thamesford, Oxford County, Ontario in May 1880. He was working as a Moulder, with experience in the 38th Dufferin Rifles, when he enlisted on July 21, 1916 in Brantford. 

He arrived in England in May 1917, and was taken on strength by the 2nd Reserve Battalion. Between the end of May 1917 to February 1918, he served with the 125th Battalion. From the end of February (27th) 1918 onwards, he served with the 54th Battalion. 

Karn was killed in action on October 10, 1918. The circumstances of deaths states “he was present at the “jumping off” position (North East of Cantimpre) in the battle of Cambrai, on 30th. September 1918, but could not be located when the objective was reached. As most of his Company became casualties during the attack further details of the actual circumstances of his death are not obtainable. His body was recovered a few days later.” 

On September 30, 1918, the 54th Battalion (Kootenay), CEF was consolidating positions northeast of the Canal du Nord, near Sancourt, following their assault in the Battle of Cambrai. The battalion held the line under intermittent artillery fire, reorganized, and prepared for further advances.