Canada, CEF. A War Medal to Pte. Sweeney, Royal Newfoundland Regiment KIA

British War Medal (703 PTE. P. SWEENEY. R.NEWF'D R.) Naming is impressed, with wear and edge knocks, near fine. Accompanied by Victory Medal, naming erased, fine.  Also accompanied by four first war period tunic buttons "Newfoundland" and single smaller yet matching button, worn, all marked E. Armfield, Birmingham on reverse, fair. 

Footnote: Patrick Sweeney, from St.John's, served with the first battalion Royal Newfoundlanders and was killed on the 27th of February 1917. He is buried Guards’ Cemetery in Combles, France.  

On 27 February 1917, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment was serving on the Western Front in France and was involved in holding actions against a German offensive near Sailly‑Saillisel, just south of the Arras sector. In late February–early March 1917, the regiment (part of the British 29th Division) distinguished itself by repelling German attacks in this area — heavy fighting occurred as German forces attempted to push Allied lines, and Newfoundland troops were engaged in defensive actions in trenches near Sailly‑Saillisel when many soldiers were killed or wounded.