A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

Three: Bombardier H. T. Gilmore, Royal Canadian Artillery

Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, silver, in their (damaged) card boxes of issue, together with his Birks Memorial Bar, officially inscribed ‘Bdr. H. T. Gilmore. R.C.A., Died in His Country’s Service, 24 Feb. 1948’, in original card folder, extremely fine (4) £150-200

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

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Harold Thomas Gilmore was born in Chamham, New Brunswick, on 29 May 1899. A Machinist by occupation, he enlisted in the 3rd Regiment, C.G.A., as a Gunner in August 1916 - however, as he was only 17 years old, he was underage for overseas service and so remained in Canada. On 3 October 1917, however, and by then of age, he transferred to the No. 9 Overseas Siege Battery at Patridge Island, N.B., and was embarked for England in February 1918. Entering France that October, he transferred to the R.C.H.A. and served in the field during the last weeks of the War, and with the occupation forces until April 1919, following which he was discharged at Bathurst, N.B., in June 1919.

Then in December 1939 Gilmore enlisted into the 5th Field Regiment, 73rd Field Battery, R.C.A., and was embarked for Scotland in September 1940. During October 1942 he was diagnosed with heart disease and, medically boarded and declared unfit for further service, he was discharged back in Canada in January 1943. He died of his heart disease at Longueuil in February 1948.

Sold with a brass locket bearing small photographs of Gilmore and his wife; an Artillery lapel badge, 9ct. gold and enamel; ‘Royal Canadian Artillery’ cloth shoulder badge; original discharge certificates for 1919 and 1943; Soldier’s Service and Pay Book (1939-45 War); a pass card; Canadian Legion cards (2); Canadian Legion booklet; other cards (2); photographs (2); together with copied service papers.