A First War Medal Pair to the 31st Canadian Battery; KIA on the Somme

 A First War Medal Pair to the 31st Canadian Battery; KIA on the Somme - British War Medal (302653 GNR. A. GRISDALE. C.F.A.); and Victory Medal (302653 GNR. A. GRISDALE. C.F.A.). Naming is officially impressed, the VM is a replacement. Un-mounted, very light contact, extremely fine. Footnote: Arthur Grisdale was born on January 24, 1894 in Thorold, Ontario. He signed his Attestation Paper (302653) with the 7th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, on September 10, 1915, in St. Catharines, Ontario, at the age of 21, naming his next-of-kin as his father, Fred Grisdale of Thorold, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was not married and that his trade was that of Carpenter. He embarked Saint John, New Brunswick on February 5, 1916, arriving in Plymouth, England on the 14th. That summer, he proceeded "on command" to Woolwich for a Fitters and Wheelers Course on June 12, 1916 and after twelve days instruction, returned to his unit on the 24th. Grisdale was transferred to the 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery on November 16, 1915 and was posted to the 8th Brigade, 31st Battery for overseas service on July 13, 1916, arriving in Le Havre, France the following day. Late that Fall, Gunner Arthur Grisdale 8th Brigade, 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery was Killed in Action on November 4, 1916. He is buried in Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, Albert, Somme, France, Grave Reference: I. Q. 5. and is commemorated on page 96 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. In his Military Will, dated July 12, 1916, it states that "In the event of my death I give the whole of my property & effects to my mother, Mrs. Fred Grisdale, Thorold, Ontario". His mother received his British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross, while his father received his Memorial Plaque and Scroll.