CEF, WWI – Military Medal & War Medal to Sgt. Atkin

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Canada, WWI, C.E.F. - Military Medal and British War Medal, awarded to Sgt. R. Atkin (Canadian Army, Royal Field Artillery), Service Number: 86116. Sejeant McLean won the Military Medal on August 16, 1917: “For brave conduct, determination and control after his Officer was wounded he was left in charge of a party Sgt. Atkin on night of May 20th accompanied by the late Lieut. W.J. Cooper with a detail proceeding to FARBUS Railway Station to salve some German 5.9 Howitzers. Sgt. Atkin had previously prepared the position for removal of these guns. When about half a mile from the position on the night in question Lieut. Cooper was killed by shell fire. Sgt. Atkin immediately took charge of the party, made dispositions for the return of Lieut. Cooper’s body to D.A.C. lines and proceeded with his detail to get out the guns. One gun was removed a short distance when the collapse of a wheel put further progress on all the time, and attempted to remove another gun and only after two sets of harness were broken owing to get it out but was the attempt given up. Sgt. Atkin is one of the most efficient N.C.O’s in this Unit and the great courage and coolness displayed by him set a splendid example to the men of his Sub-section.” Atkin was also Mentioned in Dispatches on December 31, 1918, and was awarded the Victory medal.

Instituted March 25, 1916, the Military Medal (MM) was awarded for bravery, acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. It is constructed out of a die stamped silver base. The round shaped obverse bears the effigy of George V, in Field Marschal’s uniform partially surrounded by: “Georgivs V Britt: Omn: Rex Et Ind: Imp:”. The reverse features an Imperial Crown above a Royal Cypher, above “For Bravery in the Field” surrounded by a laurel leaf and berry wreath that is tied together at the bottom with a ribbon. The rim is impressed reading: “86116 SJT: R. Atkin 2/D. A. C. CAN:F.A.”. To the top is an ornate suspender that holds a blue, white and red ribbon. It measures 36mm in diameter.

Instituted July 26, 1919, the British War Medal was awarded for service between August 5, 1914 and November 11, 1918. It is constructed out of a die stamped silver base. The obverse features the left facing effigy of George V partially surrounded by: “Georgivs V Britt: Omn: Rex Et Ind: Imp:”. The reverse features a naked, Saint George on horseback holding a short sword, while the horse tramples on the Prussian eagle shield and the emblems of death in front of waves next to “1914” and “1918”. The rim is officially impressed reading: “86116 W.O.CL.2. R. Atkin. C.F.A.”. To the top is a plain, single toe claw mount, that holds a straight suspender that holds a blue, black white and orange ribbon. It measures 36mm in diameter.