{"product_id":"canada-cef-a-memorial-plaque-5th-infantry-battalion-kia-at-arleux-loop-1917-m0717-33","title":"Canada, CEF. A Memorial Plaque, 5th Infantry Battalion, KIA at Arleux Loop 1917","description":"\u003cp\u003eMemorial Plaque. (Mervyn Thomas Willis), foundry marked on reverse, fine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Mervyn Thomas Willis was the first child born in the new town of Roland Manitoba in 1892. After moving to Cardiff Saskatchewan, he enlisted in June 1916. Willis was abnormally tall, standing at 6'2 and was active in his community prior to entering the war. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the morning of 28 April 1917, the 5th Battalion attacked the German defensive position known as the Arleux Loop, just north of Arleux-en-Gohelle, France. This action followed the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge and formed part of the continuing Battle of Arras. The battalion went over the top at 4:25 a.m. behind a creeping artillery barrage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 5th Battalion's objective was a sunken road north of Arleux. Although they captured their objective, they encountered fierce resistance from German machine-gun positions on their left flank. The battalion suffered 10 officers and approximately 230 other ranks killed, wounded, or missing during the assault.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50075608252693,"sku":"M0717-33","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/eMedals_M0717-33_2.jpg?v=1786477325","url":"https:\/\/www.emedals.com\/products\/canada-cef-a-memorial-plaque-5th-infantry-battalion-kia-at-arleux-loop-1917-m0717-33","provider":"eMedals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}