Four: Lieutenant Edward Jeffery, 16th Canadian Infantry (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), a native Newfoundlander who was mortally wounded on the Western Front on 28 July 1918

1914-15 Star (26095 Pte., 14/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); together with Canadian Memorial Cross (Lieut.); and memorial plaque (Edward Jeffery); two ‘Canada’ brass shoulder titles; a damaged silver six pence (‘reputedly damaged at the time of his death’); and three original photographs, two showing recipient in uniform and one showing a table with various German ‘trophies’ liberated by the recipient, generally good very fine (5) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to Great War Casualties from the Collection of the late Ian Livesley.

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The following is extracted from The British Roll of Honour of The Empire’s Heroes:

‘Among the gallant soldiers who came from Newfoundland to fight for their King and Country, and who sealed their devotions with their lives was Lieut. Edward Jeffery, the son of the Rev. Charles Jeffery, Incumbent of the Mission of the Newfoundland Church at St. George’s Bay. He was born at Sandy Point, St. George’s Bay, Newfoundland on 19 October 1895, and educated at Sandy Point School, and later at Bishop Field College, St John’s, Newfoundland. He then for a time studied at St. Augustine’s Missionary College, Canterbury, with a view to taking Holy Orders, and, returning to the New World, at King’s College, Windsor, Nova Scotia, which College gave twelve other students who died for King and Country.

Lieutenant Jeffery was a born teacher and had two successful years at Sandy Point. He worked for the Church Lads’ Brigade, Sandy Point and had such a strong influence over his pupils that practically all of them enlisted, and all but one have made the great sacrifice. He was at College when the War broke out, and enlisted at once, going to England in the spring and later to France, after a hard experience on Salisbury Plain.

He saw much active service in the earlier battles and had several trying experiences, being buried by a shell and dug out unharmed, and also hit on another occasion but again unharmed. He was recommended for a commission and again came over to England. Here he married on 14 November 1916, at the Church of St. John Baptist, Shedfield, Hampshire, Miss Joyce Davies of Springdale Curdridge, Botley, Hampshire, by whom he has left a son, Robert, born 9 December 1917 - the day ever memorable by the capture of Jerusalem from the Turks.

On returning to France he was again frequently in action and on 28 July 1918 was fatally wounded, and although everything possible was done for him, succumbed to his wounds in hospital. He had won the affection and respect of all with whom he came in contact, both officers and men, who have, in many instances, borne tribute to his memory.’