WWI M.M. Group of Four,

British War Medal (510990 DVR. W.S. SLINN. C.A.S.C.); and Victory Medal (510990 DVR. W.S. SLINN. C.A.S.C.). Naming is officially impresed. Un-mounted, replacement ribbons, VM is plated, contact marks, very fine.

Footnote: William Samuel Slinn was born on November 5, 1893 in Manchester, England. He was a resident of Toronto, Ontario when he signed his Attestation Paper at No. 2 Overseas Army Service Corps Training Depot in Toronto, on June 3, 1916, at the age of 22, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Mary Ellen Slinn of Toronto, stating that he had three months' previous service with the 10th Regiment, Royal Grenadiers, that he was not married and that his trade was that of Labourer. Private Slinn survived the war and for his First World War service, he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

A WWII Canadian Efficiency Group - 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-1945; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp; and Efficiency Medal, George VI (CPL R.A. MERCER RC SIGS). Naming is officially impressed on the EM, while the others are un-named. Un-mounted, dark patinas on the silver medals, original ribbons, extremely fine. Accompanied by two Ribbon Bars (1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Maple Leaf Clasp, Efficiency Medal), Soldier's Service Book, seven Canadian Army Soldier's Pay Books, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Cap Badge, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Shoulder Flash, 8th Army Shoulder Flash, Five Year Service Chevron Sleeve Patch, Department of National Defence, Army Efficiency Medal Award Letter, Department of National Defence, Army Additional Ribbons Letter, along with copies of his Service Records, Discharge Certificate and Recommendation Letter for the Efficiency Medal.Footnote: Reginald Archibald Mercer was born on August 4, 1917 in Mimico, Ontario and had been a Soda Dispenser and Clerk (Typist) in his civilian life, along with having previous military service with the York Rangers (September 1934 to October 1937) and the 2nd Division Signals NPAM (Non-Permanent Active Militia, from April 30, 1937 to October 22, 1937 and October 21, 1938 to September 3, 1939), when he enlisted with the 2nd Division Signals on September 4, 1939 at Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 22, naming his next-of-kin as his father, Mr. G.W. Mercer of Toronto. Ten weeks later, he was posted to Barryfield, Ontario on November 10th for three weeks training, then cross posted to 1st Division Signals on December 5th. With the Second World War well under way, Mercer embarked by ship from Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 7th, disembarked in the United Kingdom on the 18th. He was transferred to 1 Corps Signals on July 26, 1940. During his tour in the Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe, he qualified as a Storeman 'C' (April 30, 1941), Clerk 'C' (November 17, 1941) and Clerk 'B' (April 27, 1944) and qualified for one Good Conduct Badge (September 4, 1941). He was appointed Acting Lance Corporal (July 15, 1943) and Acting Corporal (October 3, 1943). After his European tour was over with 1 Corps Signals, he disembarked in France on February 24, 1945, remaining with them until April 4th. Mercer returned to Canada and was discharged on August 18, 1945 at No. 2 District Depot in Toronto, Ontario, credited with having served in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe. He qualified for the Efficiency Medal, credited with fifteen months and thirty-four days in the 2nd Division Signals and four years, eighteen months and twenty-nine days in 1 Corps Signals (which was doubled upon active service), totaling twelve years, six months and one day.

Distinguished Conduct Medal Group to Brothers Henry & George Miles; Lieutenant Henry Miles, Royal Field Artillery: Distinguished Conduct Medal, George V (33300 Cpl H. MILES. 5C. RES: BDE: R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (33300 CPL. H. MILES R.F.A.); British War Medal (2. LIEUT. H. MILES); and Victory Medal (2. LIEUT. H. MILES). Naming is officially impressed. Un-mounted, dark patina on the BWM, edge nicks, light contact, near extremely fine. Accompanied by their original Ribbon Bar (original lightly soiled ribbons, 12.3 mm x 135 mm, with swing bar pinback), a Postcard of Henry Miles in his Royal Field Artillery Uniform (obverse with a sepia-toned photograph, unaddressed backer, 82 mm x 131 mm), original Appointment Document to the Special Reserve of Officers (dated November 7, 1917, 304 mm x 405 mm, with fold marks, soiled) and a CD containing forty-eight pages with copies of his Index Cards, Attestation Paper, Service Records, Medical Records and Discharge Certificates. Also included is his brother's, Lieutenant Charles Miles, 48th Infantry Battalion, original Distinguished Conduct Medal award notification citation, as it appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette 29637 of Friday, June 23, 1916. Footnote: Henry Miles was born on May 4, 1894 in St. Mary's, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, the son of George Miles and Fanny Miles of Chesterfield. He was educated at Hipper Street School in Chesterfield and was described by the Archdeacon of Chesterfield as the "son of well-to-do, highly respected people" and that he had "always been a leader from childhood." Henry Miles signed his Attestation Paper with the Royal Regiment of Artillery (Royal Horse & Royal Field Artillery) (33300) on August 29, 1914 at Chesterfield, at the age of 20, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was not married and that his trade was that of (Engineering) Clerk. He was posted as a Gunner with the 166th Battery, Royal Field Artillery on September 5, 1914. He was admonished on October 27, 1914, for being absent from 6:00 pm on October 26th to 12:10 am on October 27th at Aldershot, followed by a posting in the new year to 'D' Battery, 32nd Brigade on January 18, 1915. It was here that he was promoted to Bombardier on February 6, 1915 and to Corporal on March 18, 1915. Two months after his second promotion, he entered the French theatre for the first time, embarking Southampton on May 12, 1915, disembarking in Le Havre the next day. He was wounded in action, suffering a gun shot wound to his left leg, on September 25, 1915 and invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship St. George on October 2nd. Upon arrival, he was transferred to the 5th Reserve Brigade RFA on October 3rd, followed by his admission to the Royal Infirmary at Edinburgh, from October 3rd to December 24th. It was noted by the physician that the "wound (was) received while (the) patient was telephoning" and that it was a "deep septic wound just above knee joint". It was for actions the day that he was wounded, that Corporal Henry Miles, 5C Reserve Brigade RFA (formerly 'D' Battery, 52nd Brigade), was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, as mentioned in the Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette 29438 of Tuesday, January 11, 1916, on Friday, January 14, 1916, page 606: "For conspicuous gallantry, Corporal Miles was in charge of the telephonists, and he continued to work his instrument, although severely wounded in the leg, and when sent back to the dressing station, he carried out, with great bravery and determination, repairs to the wire under heavy fire." He was posted to No. 16 D.W. Artillery on January 15, 1916, to No. 5 Depot RFA at Athlone on September 15, 1916 and at Curragh Camp on March 23, 1917. Henry Miles was accepted for admission to No. 1 Royal Artillery Officer Cadet School at St. John's Wood, N.W. on June 7, 1917, receiving a commission and appointed to the Special Reserve of Officers on November 3, 1917. He returned to the French theatre a second time, disembarking at Boulogne on January 25, 1918 and placed with No. 2 Divisional Ammunition Column on the 31st. He briefly returned to the United Kingdom on September 25, 1918, before re-entering France on a third occasion. 2nd Lieutenant Henry Miles suffered an injury to his left knee, while playing right back in a football (soccer) match, for No. 3 Section team of the 20th Divisional Ammunition Column, against a team composed of players from 'A' Battery, 91st Brigade RFA, at Warlincourt, Saulty, Pas-de-Calais, France, on January 8, 1919. The official report states that "This officer was playing in an organized game of football for the 20th Div. R.A. League. He made a run for the ball, and kicked, and then felt his knee give way. He was carried from the field and the doctor was called." The incident was ruled an "accident in a properly constituted game of football and no one was to blame.", with many eyewitness reports lending support, to confirm that it was an accident. He was subsequently sent to Le Havre for invaliding to England on January 22nd, arriving in Southampton the next day. It was noted here that he had an "internal derangement of the knee" and was "supplied with an Elastic Knee Cap at the Government's expense" on March 19th. By the summer and with hostilities having ceased, he was posted to 4/A Reserve Brigade RFA at Woolwich on June 6, 1919 and demobilized at No. 1 Dispersal Unit in Ripon, on June 16th. For his First World War service, Lieutenant Henry Miles was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He relinquished his commission in the Special Reserve of Officers on April 1, 1920, retaining the rank of Lieutenant, as mentioned in the Third Supplement to the London Gazette 32136 of Tuesday, November 23, 1920, on Wednesday, November 24, 1920, page 11579. His older brother, Charles Miles was born on March 24, 1882 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. Charles fought with the British forces during the South African (Boer) War. He later immigrated to Canada and was a resident of Edmonton, Alberta, when he signed his Attestation Paper with the 49th Infantry Battalion (432037) on January 4, 1915 at Edmonton, at the age of 32, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Mabel Miles of Edmonton, stating that he was Married and that his trade was that of Steamfitter. The Battalion was raised in Edmonton, Alberta under the authority of G.O. 86, July 1, 1915. The mobilization headquarters was also at Edmonton. The Battalion sailed June 4, 1915 with a strength of 36 officers and 996 other ranks under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Greisbach. The Battalion served in France and Belgium with the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. Company Sergeant-Major Charles Miles was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal, as mentioned in the Supplement to the London Gazette 29637 of Friday, June 23, 1916, on Saturday, June 24, 1916, page 6303, his citation reading "For conspicuous gallantry. During a heavy bombardment by the enemy he moved from place to place over the open under heavy fire, directing and encouraging his men, evacuating the wounded and rescuing buried men. He has frequently been brought to notice for bravery." He was wounded at the Battle of Cambrai in late 1917 and was invalided to England. While hospitalized, Company Sergeant-Major Charles Miles, DCM, Alberta Regiment (49th Infantry Battalion) was "to be Temporary Lieutenant", as mentioned in the Supplement to the London Gazette 30861 of Friday, August 23, 1918, page 9894. He eventually died from his wounds eleven months after the battle, on October 26, 1918, at the age of 36. He is buried at Chesterfield (Spital) Cemetery, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Grave Reference: Old. 3191. and is commemorated on page 470 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Although the whereabouts of his DCM and First World War trio remains unknown, the brothers are both confirmed as DCM winners.  

A Second War & Korea Medal Group to Captain McDiarmid - 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp; War Medal 1939-1945 with MID Oak Leaf; Korea Medal (ZA511 R.E. McDIARMID); and United Nations Korea Medal (ZA511 R.E. McDIARMID). Naming is officially impressed on the KM and impressed on the UNKM, the others are un-named. Un-mounted, lacquered, light contact and surface wear, better than very fine. Accompanied by copies of his Birth Certificate, Attestation Paper, Officer's Declaration Paper, Service Records, Discharge Certificate, Photo Identification File Card, War Service Medals 1939-1945 Verification Form and Department of Veterans Affairs Death Acknowledgement.   Footnote: Ralph Edwin McDiarmid was born on October 17, 1911 in Alvinston, Lambton County, Ontario, the son of Ralph Edward McDiarmid and Eva Eliza McDiarmid (nee Coghill). His formal education consisted of Senior Matriculation. McDiarmid signed his Attestation Paper with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps as a Private (A-34921), as part of the Canadian Active Service Force, at No. 1 District Depot in London, Ontario, on February 1, 1941, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Eva, stating that he had five months' previous service with 2/11th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, from August 15, 1940 to January 1941, that he was Single and that his trade was that of Clerk. He soon rose to the rank of Corporal during his tenure in London, as well as being classified as a Tradesman Class "C" Clerk on May 22, 1941, being promoted to Acting Sergeant on January 19, 1942 and then, promoted to Sergeant and posted to A-19 RCASC Training Centre in Brockville, Ontario as a Reinforcement on February 14, 1942. It was here that he took an Officers Training Course until May 9th, qualifying as a 2nd Lieutenant, before being posted to Camp Borden, Ontario on May 28th, then promoted to Lieutenant on August 1, 1942 and qualified as a Motorcyclist on August 3rd. As a member of No. 1 Reinforcement Unit, McDiarmid was now prepared for overseas service, leaving for the United Kingdom on September 26, 1942, disembarking on October 7th. While in the United Kingdom, he qualified as a Driver on November 7th, then was posted to 11 Infantry Brigade Company RCASC on January 25, 1943, preparing for European service. He embarked England on October 26, 1943 for service in the Italian Theatre, which would come to total sixteen months. Upon the ceasing of hostilities in Italy, he left for Northwest Europe on February 25, 1945, to fight the Germans in that theatre for the next four months, until June 21st. It was during this time that he was named Acting Captain on May 6th. As hostilities had ceased, McDiarmid volunteered for service in the Pacific Theatre on May 17, 1945, then disembarked Northwest Europe on June 22nd, arriving in the United Kingdom, where he remain for the next four weeks before returning to Canada on July 17th. Upon arrival in Canada, he was placed on the X-4 List, as part of the Canadian Army Pacific Force until September 1945. For his Second World War service, he was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp and the War Medal 1939-1945 with MID Oak Leaf. He was posted to A-19 RCASC Training Centre from September 1945 to January 1946 and confirmed in the rank of Captain on January 30, 1946. He was posted to 15 District Company RCASC in January 1946, accepted for service with the Interim Force on February 27th and would serve with 15 District Company until his discharge in the rank of Captain from the Canadian Army (Active) on September 30, 1946. The following day, he enlisted with the Canadian Army (Regular), signing his Officer's Declaration Paper with No. 2 District Company, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, at Camp Borden, on October 1, 1946, in the rank of Lieutenant (ZA-511), naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Eva, stating that he had five months' previous service with 2/11th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, from August 15, 1940 to January 1941, that he served during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps from February 1, 1941 to September 30, 1946, with the period from September 26, 1942 to July 18, 1945 being overseas, that he was Single and that his trade was that of Clerk (Bank Accountant). He was posted to 2 District Company RCASC from September 1946 to October 1948, stationed part of that time at Fort Churchill, Manitoba, where he completed an Arctic Instructors Qualification Course on February 19, 1948. He was posted to the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre at Rivers, Manitoba, on October 16, 1948, where he was promoted to Captain, then transferred to Camp Borden on December 15, 1949 and posted to 23 Transport Company RCASC, which included a stop at Fort Churchill from October 22, 1950 to March 31, 1951, before returning to Camp Borden, where he would serve until March 19, 1952. With hostilities raging in Korea, 23 Transport Company RCASC left for the Far East, with Captain McDiarmid as part of the unit. They arrived in Japan on April 10, 1952 and soon left for Korea, where they would serve until their departure eleven months later, on March 29, 1953, arriving in Japan the next day. Nine days later, they left Japan on April 9th, arriving in the United States on April 23rd. For his Korean War service, he was awarded the Korea Medal and the United Nations Korea Medal. Upon arrival in Canada, Diarmid was posted to No. 7 Personnel Depot in London, Ontario, then posted to Camp Borden on July 4, 1953. In March 1954, he was posted to Army Headquarters Br of Quartermaster General, Director(ate) of Supplies and Transport in Ottawa, Ontario, in the rank of Captain, then posted to Camp Gagetown in New Brunswick, from July 10 to 26, 1954, before returning to Ottawa, where he would remain until June 20, 1955, when he answered the call again for European service. McDiarmid returned to Northwest Europe in the rank of Captain on June 21, 1955, posted to 4 Movement Control Group. He embarked the United Kingdom on June 24th, arriving in Germany the following day and after three weeks, was sent to Antwerp, Belgium as part of the Antwerp Detachment on July 16th. It was at Antwerp three months later, that McDiarmid ran afoul of the authorities. In a letter addressed to Army Headquarters, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, from Colonel (Commander) G.H. Spencer, Headquarters, Canadian Base Units Europe, the Colonel summarized the situation: "This officer was tried summarily by the Commander, Canadian Base Units Europe, on the two charges set out in the charge sheet. He was found guilty on both charges and awarded a reprimand and a seventy-five dollar fine. Captain McDiarmid did not make a statement." The Charge Sheet stated: "The accused, No. ZA 511 Captain Ralph Edwin McDIARMID, 4 Movement Control Group (Antwerp Detachment) RCASC, Canadian Army (Regular) is charged with having committed the following offences: First Charge Sec. 74 N.D.A. DISOBEYED A LAWFUL COMMAND OF A SUPERIOR OFFICER - Particulars: In that he, at Rotterdam, Holland, when personally ordered by Major DTP Palmer, Commanding Officer, 4 Movement Control Group, on 8 October, 1955, to report to the 4 Movement Control Group Embarkation Staff Office, Rotterdam, at 0600 hours, 9 October, 1955, did not do so. Second Charge Sec. 81 N.D.A. ABSENTED HIMSELF WITHOUT LEAVE - Particulars: In that he, at 0600 hours, 9 October, 1955, without authority, was absent from the 4 Movement Control Group Embarkation Staff Office, Rotterdam, Holland, and remained absent until approximately 1430 hours, 9 October, 1955." Twice during the first half of 1956, McDiarmid was admitted to hospital: the first time to the British Military Hospital at Hostert, Germany, from March 16th to March 24th; and the second time to the British Military Hospital at Iserlohn, Germany, from May 23rd to June 7th. That Fall, McDiarmid returned to Canada on October 4, 1956 and was posted to 3 Transport Company RCASC in the rank of Captain. He also assumed the roll of Acting Company Commander and was recommended for a promotion dependent upon his qualification in June 1957, one that would never come. As his career in the Army was winding down, he was transferred for the next six months to No. 6 Personnel Depot in Toronto, Ontario on October 19, 1958, before being discharged on April 15, 1959 at Wolseley Barracks, No. 7 Personnel Depot, Canadian Army in London, Ontario, at the age of 47. McDiarmid was credited with having served in Canada, the Far East and Continental Europe. In addition to his eight war medals, he was also awarded the Canadian Forces' Decoration, which is not present with this group of eight. He died on October 30, 1966 in Westminster, London, Ontario, at the age of 55