Pair: Acting Sergeant E. Graham, M.M., 7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in the battle for Hill 70 in August 1917 - on which occasion a fellow battalion member won the V.C.

British War and Victory Medals (437934 A. Sjt. E. Graham, 7-Can. Inf.), edge bruising, contact marks, good fine (2) £120-160

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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Ellis Graham was born at Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, on 21 May 1895. A Farmer by occupation, he enlisted in the 51st (Edmonton Regiment) Battalion in November 1915, but was transferred to the 7th Battalion on entering France in the following year. Wounded by contusions to right thigh on 25 July 1916, when serving in the Ypres-Hill 60 sector, he returned to duty and was awarded the M.M. (London Gazette 19 November 1917 refers), the recommendation stating:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, on 15 August 1917. As a Battalion Runner he repeatedly carried messages to the front line through heavy enemy barrages. He has done consistently fine work throughout other actions’.

It was during this action that Private M. J. O’Rourke, also of the 7th Battalion, earned the Victoria Cross for his great valour as stretcher-bearer during the period 15-17 August 1917. Graham, who was presented with his M.M. by General Currie, later said of the action, ‘it was altogether the hardest battle in which the Corps has participated’. He was demobilised in April 1919 and died in September 1945; sold with copied service and other references.