H 42084 Smith, Edward, Rifleman

[Mark W. Tonner]

Further to my post regarding the award of War Service Medals to Edward (on 22 Aug 46), and his award of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp (on 15 Jan 44), I would like to add that, on the form that verified and authorized his entitlement to the award of the 1939-45 Star; France-Germany Star; Defence Medal and War Medal (dated: 22 Aug 46), there is a stamped 'NO RIBBON DESPATCH' at the bottom of the form. This would mean that, what we would call today, the 'undress' ribbons were not sent to his next-of-kin (his parents).

On the next form, entitled: 'Medals and Memorials - Deceased Personnel'

under - (1) Medals, Person, Entitled To - it lists Edward's father (there is no date of despatch recorded)
under - (2) Memorial Cross, Widow - it is blank
under - (3) Memorial Cross, Mother - it lists Edward's mother (with a despatch date of 25 July, 1945)

This meaning, that Edward's mother was sent the 'Memorial Cross' on 25 Jul 45, for the loss of her son, and that Edward's medals were not sent (at that time) to his father.

On the next form, entitled: 'Awards-Canadian Army (Active)

under the first section - War Service Badge - its blank
under the second section - Campaign Medals - it lists: 1939-45 Star; France & Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal; C.V.S.M. & Clasp (with a despatch date of 21 January, 1950)

This meaning, that Edward's father was finally sent his medals on 21 Jan 50.

Below is a picture of the five War Service Medals that Edward was awarded, left to right, are; the 1939-45 Star; the France & Germany Star; the Defence Medal; the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp; the War Medal (this is the order in which they would be worn).

Below that is a picture of the Memorial Cross that Edward's mother received (with King George VI cypher)

A description of the GVIR 'Memorial Cross':

The Memorial Cross, the gift of Canada, was issued as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice on the part of widows and mothers of Canadian sailors and soldiers who laid down their lives for their country during the war; its description was as follows:

"The Cross will be a Cross patonce in silver Suspended by a purple ribbon; at the end of the upright a crown; at the foot, and at the centre, within a wreath of laurel, the royal cypher "GVIR" It will be engraved with the number, rank and name of the soldiers commemorated."

Cheers