Canada, CEF. An Emotive Mount Sorrel Military Medal to Private McAuley, KIA 1916

A Military Medal, in silver, rim impressed A-44189 PTE P.A. McAULEY. 14/CAN:I.B., lovely patina, minor contact, worn on a replacement ribbon, in extremely fine condition.

A War Medal, in silver, 444189 PTE. P. A. MCAULEY. 14-CAN.INF., obverse and reverse have been cleaned, minimal wear, worn on replacement ribbon, remains in very fine condition. 

Contained in a small case, black leatherette exterior with crown on the lid, interior with a silk lid and velvet medal bed, measures 68mm (w) x 88mm (l) x 25mm (d), does not fully close, wear to exterior, discolouration to interior, remains in near very fine condition. 

Footnote: Peter Aeneas McAuley was born in Cardigan, P.E.I, Canada on November 22 ,1895. Prior to enlisting in the war, he was employed as a farmer and had previously served one year with the Heavy Artillery. At the age of 22, McAuley enlisted on May 14, 1915 with the 55th Battalion. He arrived in Shorncliffe, England in August 1915, and joined the 14th Battalion on September 11. 

McAuley was killed in action in France on September 16, 1916 while serving with the 14th Battalion. He was posthumously awarded the military medal October 11, 1916. The citation for the Military Medal is as follows: 

“For gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions. During the several intense bombardments he has carried wounded to places of shelter, shown good ability as a leader, and generally set a splendid example to his men, particularly May 20th to May 24th, 1916, at Mount Sorrel.”

Mount Sorrel was a strategic 30 meter hill in Ypres Salient, and the objective of an important battle between Canadian and German forces. Largely fought from June 2 to 13, 1916, the battle took the lives of thousands of Canadians.