Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to A. Cpl. Grimes, 76th Forestry Corps, Died of Injuries January 1918

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 2188482 A. CPL. P.S. GRIMES. C.F.C., minor contact marks to edges, dark patina, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 2188482 A. CPL. P.S. GRIMES. C.F.C.,  minor contact marks, light gilt loss, better than very fine. 

A Canadian Overseas Forestry Battalion Cap Badge, in brass, voided, unmarked, measures 42.4 mm (w) x 42.8 mm (h), two lugs on reverse intact, 12 o’clock leaf tip slightly bent, very fine. 

Two Canadian Overseas Forestry Battalion Collar Badges, in brass, measures 28 mm (w) x 29 mm (h), one with a horizontal pin, and one with two lugs (one lug has been affixed), in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Percy Sydney Grimes was born in London, England in November, 1892. He was residing in Saskatchewan and working as a teamster when he enlisted on March 29, 1917, in Prince Albert. 

He arrived in Liverpool in August 1917, and was posted to the 76th Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps shortly thereafter in France. He was appointed A/Cpl in September 1917 in the field. 

Grimes died on January 28, 1918 after falling from a train and sustaining injuries to his skull and right leg. The report from a witness states “on Monday afternoon about 3.30 PM Jan 26/18 enroute from Appill to Eclaron and approaching Vitry a Francais the train struck a curve. I was sitting in the doorway of the car and saw. Cpl Grimes fall out of the car. The last time I saw the body it was between the rails of the track on the right. I feel confident that there was no evidence of foul play.”