Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to Russian Soldier, Pte. Bratkov, 43rd Battalion

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed 454805 PTE. E. BRATKOV 43rd BN. CAN. INF., dark patina, light wear, better than very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed 454805 PTE. E. BRATKOV 43rd BN. CAN. INF., light wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Efimi Bratkov was born in Russia in March 1895. He enlisted with the 59th Battalion in Kingston on July 13, 1915. He was later transferred to the 43rd Battalion upon landing in France in July 1916. 

Bratkov suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg, arm and buttock on February 4, 1917. His condition on November 16, 1917 states: “Served 7 months in France. G.S.W arm, buttock, & leg, Feb 1917. Wounds now healed. Returned from 1st C.C.D. Sept. Complains of being unable to make ordinary route marches. Left leg pains on long walks. Pain on sitting down or lying on back. 
Examination: - Wound 12” long by /2” to 1” wide, on inner posterior aspect of left leg. Considerable scar tissue near knee. Four wounds on buttock, total length 15” - a good deal of scar tissue and tenderness. Bullet wound 2 ½” from head of Left Humerus - corresponding exit wound in middle of left scapula.”

He was demobilized after service in France on December 14 1918.