Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to Pte. Bollong, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force

A First War pair, ribbons adhered to a cardboard in a court mounted manner, consisting of:

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 2731145 PTE. J. BOLLONG. C.S.E.F., light wear, on original ribbon, ribbon showing slight discolouration, in extremely fine condition.

A First War Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 2731145 PTE. J. BOLLONG. C.S.E.F., heavy gilt wear and contact marks to relief and right side, in very fine condition.

Footnote: James LaPierre Bollong was born on August 19, 1898, in Tangier, Halifax. Prior to the war, he was employed as a Labourer and previously served one year and ten months in the R.C.E. At the age of 20, Bollong attested for the war on September 28, 1918. He embarked to Russia aboard the Emperor of Japan from Vancouver on February 12, 1919. In April 1919, he was evacuated to Canada aboard the S.S Monteagle, due to demobilization.

The Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force was composed of 4,200 Canadian soldiers, sent to Russia as part of an Allied intervention against Bolshevik revolutionaries. Although the CSEF did not participate in any battles, a total of 21 Canadians died because of disease or accident.