Remembrance Day is a day where we remember all those who fought and died in the line of duty. Every November 11th we take two minutes at 11:00am to pause and have a moment of silence to reflect and thank all those who served and continue to serve during times of war, conflict and peace.

In honor of Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day as it’s known in the United States, we would like to look back and remember some of the military memorabilia that we were honored to see in our auctions.

If you look closely to this Welcome Home’ Banner and 29th Battalion 9th Infantry Training Regiment you can see the name of the soldier to whom it belonged to in 1942 along with captioned pictures in the Infantry Training Regiment. 

Considered the primary defense for infantry attacks, bayonets were widely used during World War I by soldiers on both sides. Looking at this Earlier Antique World War I Bayonet, Wilkinson marked with a Crown 1907 one only can imagine what a deep and perhaps grisly history it carries. 

                 

We saw an extraordinary example of what a Canadian soldier would have worn during World War II. This World War II era Canadian Military Uniform with the Medals belonged to brave soldier who was awarded the Italy Star. This medal was awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy during the period 11th June 1943 to 8th May 1945. A total of 91,000 medals were issued to Canadians.

Speaking of medals, this collection of World War II Medal Band of Ribbons included the 1939 to 1945 Star, 1939 to 1945 France and Germany Star, Defense Medal, 1939 to 1945 War Medal, George VI Crown 1937 Medal, Queen Elizabeth 1953 Medal, Long Service Medal George VI, Queen Elizabeth Service Medal to name a few. The majority of British medals that were awarded to soldiers were made from solid silver and the ribbons they were suspended from were first made of silk until cotton was introduced and used more often in the nineteenth century. Other medals included, the Memorial Cross, which was awarded as a sign of respect and a way to remember the personal loss and sacrifice, and the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal (or DFC). The DFC was awarded to those committed acts of courage, valor or devotion to duty while performing active flying operations against the enemy.

 

Why are some people so fascinated with military items from our history? Mementos from the past allow us to fill in the gaps and give us a glimpse into old times.

For example, these  World War II Army Field Phones and radio manuals, were an essential tool to communicate between field units and the switchboard command post. Military personnel are required to carry a number of things to prepare them for surviving combat in the field; canteens, belts, patches and even gas masks to help protect themselves during surprise chemical or biological attacks were stored on their person or in Duffel Bags. Even smaller items like press clippings or pay books can allow us to remember and sympathize the experiences soldiers had and some of the experiences they still go through today. 

                 

These are just a few of the countless loved and historical items we saw this year and we are proud to know that they were able to find new homes. This Remembrance Day to honor those who served and who continue to serve, observe a moment of silence at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. 

     

Sources:

www.forces-war-records.co.uk

www.veterans.gc.ca

www.veterans.gc.ca