A Memorial Cross to the 3rd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery

A Memorial Cross to the 3rd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery - (2100907 Gnr. B.A. MONK). Naming is officially engraved. Dark patina, better than extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, with its government presentation card, case extremely fine. Accompanied by copies of his Index Cards, Attestation Paper, Particulars of Recruit Drafted Under Military Service Act 1917 Paper, Service Records, Medical Records, Pay Records and Wills, along with assorted research papers.  Footnote: Bert Alexander Monk was born on October 6, 1892 in Ship Harbour, East Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of Edward M. Monk and Mary Catherine Monk. He had been a resident of Phillips, Maine before signing his Attestation Paper with the 236th Infantry Battalion "Maclean Kilties/Sir Sam's Own" on July 4, 1917 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was not married and that his trade was that of Lumberman. Three months later, Monk was designated "Illegally absent from 2-10-17 (October 2, 1917) and was declared a Deserter". He was discovered living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, across the harbour from Halifax three weeks later. His documentation was amended to read: "Having been declared by C. of I. (Court of Inquiry) held 26-10-17 (October 26, 1917). Illegally absent from 2-10-17 to struck off strength as a Deserter." He was immediately drafted into the Army, signing a Particulars of Recruit Drafted Under Military Service Act 1917 Paper on October 16, 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was not married and that his trade was that of Woodsman, and taken on strength by 10th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery that day. Five and half weeks later, he was destined for overseas service, embarking Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the S.S. Megantic on November 24, 1917, arriving in Liverpool, England on December 7th. Upon arrival in England, he was taken on strength of the Reserve Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery at Witley. One month later, he was struck off strength on posting to 13th Canadian Siege Battery on January 10, 1918. After ten weeks with the 13th C.S.B., he was transferred to the Reserve Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery at Witley on March 15, 1918. He was prepared for overseas service in the French theatre and was transferred to the Canadian Siege Artillery on April 2, 1918, arriving in France the following day and posted to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp on April 6th. Eight weeks went by before he saw his final assignment, this time posted to the 3rd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery on May 29th, active for the next six months. Monk was admitted to hospital on December 5, 1918 with Pleurisy (an inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs. There are many possible causes of pleurisy but viral infections spreading from the lungs to pleural cavity are the most common). After three weeks treatment, he was discharged on the 24th. By the new year, his condition worsened, as he was admitted to No. 2 Canadian Corps Casualty Station in January. He was with the 3rd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery "in the field", when he died on January 30, 1919 at No. 2 Canadian Corps Casualty Station of Bronchial Pneumonia, his "Illness & death due to (the) result of active service conditions." He was buried in Brussels Town Cemetery, Brussels, Belgium, Grave Reference: X. 9. 10. Monk has three Wills on record: the first dated July 26, 1917, leaving his estate to his sister, Miss Edna Monk of Lower Ship Harbour; the second dated November 2, 1917, leaving his estate to his mother, Mrs. Mary C. Monk of Lower Ship Harbour; and the third, his Military Will, dated March 31, 1918, stating that "In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effect to Mrs. C. Monk, Lower, Ship Harbour" (mother). His Pair of Medals, Plaque and Scroll were forwarded to his father, while his mother received his Memorial Cross.