Canada, CEF. Two Gold Township of Mt. Forest Medals for Gallant Services to Pte. W.W. Birtch

 Two identical decorations, each in 10K Gold, shield-shaped, obverse illustrating a standing soldier bearing a rifle, with a flag exhibiting multiple folds behind him, the soldier placed above an open-ended wreath composed of branches of laurel leaves and maple leaves, the shield surmounted by a right-facing beaver, reverse inscribed "PRESENTED TO Pte W.W. Birtch BY THE TOWNSHIP OF Mt Forest FOR GALLANT SERVICES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-18", with the recipient's name “Pte. W.W. Birtch” and “Mt. Forest” engraved in cursive, measures 30.8 mm (w) x 39.7 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighs 7.5 grams, reverse marked R for the Roden Brothers of Toronto, both in extremely fine condition.

One Medal is attached to a long black ribbon with the other worn on a long chain with a clasp, also attached to the bar atop the ribbon.

Footnote: Warren Whetstone was born on April 8, 1899 in Embro, West Zorro, Ontario. Prior to enlisting with the 248th Battalion in April 1917, he was employed in Mount Forest as an assistant telegraph operator.
He embarked for France via Halifax in June 1917, and served in France with the 58th Canadian Battalion. In August 1918, he suffered a gunshot wound to the right knee. He spent several months in hospital, but was deemed healed with no disability in January 1919.  He was demobilized in 1919, and sailed home.