A Rare Canada Colonial Long Service Medal Group to 1916 KIA

South African War and First War Group of Six, to Gunner Edward Ryder, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery KIA

Queen's South Africa Medal, 4 Clasps - RELIEF OF MAFEKING, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, RHODESIA (28 GR: E. RYDER, R. CANDN: ART:); First War Miniature Trio (1914-15 Star (bronze, 19.7 mm x 22.5 mm); British War Medal (silver, 18 mm); and Victory Medal (bronze, 18 mm)); Canada Colonial Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Edward VII (No. 1552, Gnr E. RYDER, R.C.H.A.); and King George V and Queen Mary Coronation Medal 1911. Naming is officially impressed on the QSA and the CCLSGCM, the Miniature Trio and the Coronation Medal are un-named as issued. The miniature medals are mounted to a suspension with swing bar pinback, the fullsize medals are un-mounted, all six with original ribbons, edge nicks and light contact on the QSA and the CCLSGCM, better than very fine.

Footnote: Edward Ryder was born on June 1, 1866 (possibly 1865) in St. John New Brunswick, the son of John Ryder and Mary Ann Ryder of Kingston, Ontario. He enlisted with "C" Battery, Royal Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Special Service Forces for service in South Africa, on December 27, 1899, at Kingston, Ontario, at the age of 34, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Jane Ryder of Kingston, stating that he had previous service with "A" Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, that he was Married, that his religion was Methodist and that his trade was that of Soldier. After serving in South Africa, he was discharged from service on January 10, 1901. Ryder is confirmed on the Denby Roncetti roll for the Queen's South Africa Medal with four clasps: Relief of Mafeking, Orange Free State, Transvaal and Rhodesia. Thirteen years later, Ryder enlisted for First World War service, signing his CEF Attestation Paper as a Gunner (1552) with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, on September 20, 1914 at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, at the alleged age of 48, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Jane Ryder (which was later changed to Miss Laura Ryder of Kingston, as his wife died during his time overseas), stating that he had served with the 14th Regiment, Princess of Wales Own Rifles and had six years' service with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, that he was Married and that his trade was that of Butcher. 1552 Gunner Edward Ryder, "A" Battery, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery was Killed in Action on January 8, 1916, at the age of 51 (accordingly to his grave marker). He is buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, near Ieper (formerly Ypres), Belgium, Grave Reference: I. B. 21. and is commemorated on page 158 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.