Canada, Commonwealth. A First War Military Medal Group to Bombardier F.E. Defriez, 9th Battery, CFA

A Memorial Cross in silver, full size, reverse engraved 42475 BDR F.E.DEFRIEZ M.M., and marked STERLING at 6 o’clock, worn on the original purple ribbon and adhered to the blue velvet case backing, lovely patina, in very fine condition. 

A Medalbar, dress mounted and adhered to the velvet base of the case, comprising:

A Military Medal, in silver, rim impressed 42475 BMBR. F. E. DEFRIEZ. D.9/BY:CAN.F.A., original ribbon, securely connected to velvet base by metal prongs, light contact marks, extremely fine. 

A 1914-15 Star, in bronze gilt, full size, original ribbon, securely connected to velvet base by metal prongs, light contact marks, extremely fine. 

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed 42475 BMBR. F. E. DEFRIEZ. C.F.A., original ribbon, securely connected to velvet base by metal prongs, light contact marks, extremely fine. 

A First War Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 42475 BMBR. F. E. DEFRIEZ. C.F.A., original ribbon, securely connected to velvet base by metal prongs, light contact marks, extremely fine.

The medals are contained in a Spink case, a blue velvet medal bed with small plaque engraved BOMBARDIER F.E.DEFRIEZ M.M. 9TH BATTERY, CFA, wooden exterior with glass covering, the reverse features an angled stand and two loops to hang the frame by, marked SPINK & SON LTD, measures 225 mm (w) x 225 mm (h) x 30mm (d), light wear, very fine condition. 

Footnote:  Forbes Elliot Defriez was born in December of 1894 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Prior to the war, he was employed as a clerk, but also had one year of previous military experience with the 48th highlanders. He enlisted on September 22, 1914. 

He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field on November 20, 1916. The citation states:

“For gallant conduct and devotion to duty. This N.C.O with Sgt Henderson maintained communication between the O.P. and the Battery for 12 hours, continually under very heavy shell fire, on several occasions going through an intense artillery barrage to repair the wire. The work performed by this N.C.O. ever since the Unite has been in this area has been consistently good and gallant.”

Defriez died of wounds on December 5,1916, from a bullet to the back.