A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

A Great War Somme operations M.M. awarded to Sapper A. Zirk, Canadian Engineers, who was knocked down several times by exploding shells

Military Medal, G.V.R. (320 Sapr., A. Zirk, 2/D.S. Coy. Can. E.), some scratches and contact marks to obverse, nearly very fine £250-300

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

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M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Pozieres from the 11-16 September 1916, in repairing telephone lines which were continually broken by heavy bombardments. This man showed great coolness and bravery and carried out his work successfully at great personal risk. He was knocked down several times by bursting shells, but continued his duties fearlessly under most difficult and dangerous circumstances especially during the engagement of the 15 September 1916.’

Alfred Zirk was born in Dashford, Ontario, on 2 March 1890. An Engineer by occupation, he attested for the 2nd Signal Company, Canadian Engineers, at Ottawa in January 1915 and arrived in England that May. Entering France in September of the same year, he was awarded his M.M. for the above cited deeds on the Somme a year later. Posted back to England and the Canadian Engineers Depot at Shoreham in October 1917, he was discharged in London, Ontario, in June 1919; sold with copied service papers.