Canada. A First World War Group to Sgt Wicks, Gunshot Wound at Vimy, 1917

British War Medal, (314736 SJT H L WICKS CGA) naming officially impressed, on original ribbon with glue residue, edge bruising, very fine condition; First World War Victory Medal, (314736 SJT. H. L. WICKS. C.G.A), naming officially impressed, on original ribbon with glue residue, edge bruising and surface wear, very fine condition; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, (S.M H.L. WICKS 2nd. Bty. C.G.A) naming officially impressed, on original ribbon with glue residue, surface wear, very fine condition, all medals court mounted on felt for display; Wound Stripe, brass, 51.5mm (w) x 4mm (h), reverse embossed (AB PROV. PAT. 7342-17 No 4), backing plate reverse brass plate embossed (THE WOUNDED STRIPE PROV No 4 PAT), replacement pin (use of wire), slightly bent, very fine condition; CEF Service at the Front Pin, brass and enamel, 22mm, reverse embossed (PENALTY FOR MISUSE 500 DOLLARS OR SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT) and engraved (35414), with screwback, interior impressed (THE VICTORY PATENTED), extremely fine condition; Canadian Legion Empire League Service Pin, brass and enamels, 18mm (w) x 25mm (h), reverse embossed (1927 RD. W. SCULLY MONTREAL) and impressed (48042), extremely fine condition; Canadian Field Artillery Cap Badge, pickled brass, 49mm (w) x 68mm (h), vertical prong on reverse, slight tainting, very fine condition.

Accompanied by a Buckingham Palace Letter, 1918, 117mm (w) x 195mm (h), a black and white photograph of Wicks in uniform, 77mm (w) x 125mm (h), photocopy of first two attestation papers, and display title board, 85mm (w) x 49mm (h).

Footnote: Herbert Lance Wicks was born on September 15, 1882 in Cobourg Ontario to George and Mary Wicks, the youngest of seven boys. By the age of eighteen, Wicks was working in a factory in Cobourg, earning $200.00 per month, living with his mother and four brothers. On March 22, 1911, he married Margaret Cool and was employed as a tinsmith. His son, Laird Bordon was born in 1913. He enlisted for the war on April 12, 1916 in Cobourg, with nine years of experience with the Cobourg Heavy Battery (five years as a non-commissioned officer). He sailed for Halifax on June 18, 1916 and arrived in Liverpool ten days later. He was quickly promoted to sergeant on July 27, 1916 at Horsham. He served with the Canadian Siege Artillery in France as of April 1917. On August 8, 1917, Sgt Wicks was wounded at Vimy Ridge. He suffered a gunshot wound to the right forearm, and a bomb wound to the left thigh. By mid-September, he rejoined his unit. In late March 1918, he was promoted to Corporal. He was discharged due to demobilization on April 8, 1919, sailed to England and then back home to Canada via the HMS Mauretania in early May. Upon returning to Cobourg, he was employed as an insurance agent at the age of 38. He lived on buck street, with his wife and son. Wicks died on December 20, 1937 of endocarditis and typhoid fever.