A Memorial Cross to a Battle of Mount Sorrel Casualty

GVR (401235 - Pte. A.C. DOWNTON). Naming is officially engraved. Semi-dark patina, light contact, better than very fine. Accompanied by copies of his Index Cards, Attestation Paper, Service Records and Missing Man Report. Footnote: Albert Charles Downton was born on December 7, 1893 in Dorset, England. He signed his Attestation Paper as a Private (401235) on January 11, 1915 in London, Ontario, naming his next-of-kin as his mother, Mrs. Mercy Downton of Cosmore, Buckland, Newton Nr., Dorchester, Dorsetshire, England, stating that he had had previous military service with the 7th Regiment, that he was not married and that his trade was that of Labourer. Upon arrival in England, he was posted to the 12th Reserve Battalion, and placed with No. 2 Company at Shorncliffe on June 27, 1915. He was admitted to Moore Barracks Hospital at Shorncliffe on August 13, 1915 but there is no indication as to what he was treated for or for how long. He was transferring to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion in France on October 5, 1915. Six months to the day of his arrival in the French theatre, he was admitted to No. 3 Canadian Field Ambulance with Tonsilitis on April 5, 1916, discharged on the 9th and rejoined his unit thereafter. Downton was missing and presumed dead at the Battle of Mount Sorrel, June 13, 1916 at the age of 22, as stated in the Missing Man Report (Acceptance of Death for Official Purposes), dated March 29, 1917. He is remembered with honour on the Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Panel 18-24-26-30. Carved in stone above the central arch are the words: "TO THE ARMIES OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE WHO STOOD HERE FROM 1914 TO 1918 AND TO THOSE OF THEIR DEAD WHO HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE." Over the two staircases leading from the main Hall is the inscription: "HERE ARE RECORDED NAMES OF OFFICERS AND MEN WHO FELL IN YPRES SALIENT BUT TO WHOM THE FORTUNE OF WAR DENIED THE KNOWN AND HONOURED BURIAL GIVEN TO THEIR COMRADES IN DEATH." His father, Mr. A. Downton received his 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, along with his Memorial Plaque and Scroll, while his mother, Mrs. Mercy Downton received his Memorial Cross.