United Kingdom. A 1914/15 Star to Robert Cambpell - Lewis Gun Crew “KIA” at the Somme

A 1914/15 Star. Instituted in December 1918. Constructed of bronze, consisting of a four-pointed star, the obverse with two crossed swords with their blades upwards, overlaid by a wreath of oak leaves, with the Royal Cypher of King George V at the base of the wreath and an overlaying central scroll inscribed “1914-15”, the reverse is plain, impressed with “21990 PTE. R.C. Dow CAN. INF.”, on a fixed loop and a frayed period original ribbon for suspension, the ribbon with extensive sticky remains from previous collector mounting, previously refinished on the obverse, in better than fine condition.

Footnote: Robert Cambpell was born on August 28th 1880 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was married and listed his father, James Dow as his next of kin. Prior to enlisting on September 24th, 1914 he worked as a plumber. He was Killed in Action on September 19th, 1916. According to his casualty report “during an enemy counter attack in the vicinity of Courcelette, he was a member of a Lewis gun Crew and when all the other members of the Crew had become casualties, he continued firing his gun, unassisted, until he himself was killed”. His body was not recovered but he is remembered at the Vimy Memorial.