Canada, CEF. A First War Pair and Death Certificate to Private Frederick Pelky

A framed pair, featuring a British War Medal, (worn on Victory Medal Ribbon), in silver, with a notable dark patina around the exterior, rim impressed 657268 PTE. F. PELKY. 1-CAN. INF., reverse not visible, minor contact marks, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, (attached to the British War Medal Ribbon), rim impressed 657268 PTE. F. PELKY. 1-CAN. INF., light wear to guilt, small scratches, reverse not visible, very fine. 

The Original CEF Death Certificate dated May 3, stating “657268 Private Frederick Pelky 1st Battalion has been presumed killed in action”, the document and medals are contained in a large frame with glass cover, wooden exterior, reverse with a horizontal wire for hanging, measures 37.5 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (h) x 2.5 cm (d), light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Frederick Pelky, born in French River Ontario in 1894, enlisted with the 162nd Battalion on December 28th, 1915 in Parry Sound. He arrived in Liverpool in November 1916 and was taken on strength by the 35th Battalion in December.  In January 1917, he was serving with the 4th Reserve Battalion, before transferring to the 1st Battalion in France. 

He was reported wounded May 3, 1917, which was changed to wounded and missing. Eventually this was updated to “now for official purposes resumed to have died on or since May 3 1917. 

On 3 May 1917, the 1st Canadian Battalion was serving with the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division in the Arras sector of northern France, specifically in the aftermath of the Battle of Arras.