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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 571

(x) Pair: Private H. N. Johnston, 3rd Canadian Infantry later 1st Battalion, who was wounded and taken prisoner during the Second Battle of Ypres

British War and Victory Medals (18514 Pte. H. N. Johnston. 1-Can. Infy), light contact wear, very fine (2)

Hugh Norman Johnstone was born at Godrich, Hudson, Ontario on 14 March 1887 and attested on 23 September 1914. Entering the war in France in 1915 with the 3rd Battalion he was present for the Second Battle of Ypres which marked the first use of gas during the Great War. One the opening day of the Battle on 22 April a French-Moroccan unit stationed next to the Canadians was the first to be hit by the gas although it affected the Canadians as well in time.

The French troops were too disorientated to stand up to the German Offensive and their retreat saw the Canadian flank left open. The 3rd Battalion saw particularly heavy fighting at this point and as the Canadian Division was forced to withdraw to avoid being encircled many soldiers of the Battalion found themselves cut off.

Johnstone was one such man although he survived the withdrawal on the first day unharmed he was present for the desperate defence around St. Julien where he was shot in the chest, suffering a fractured rib and damage to his left lung. He was taken prisoner at the same time and held at Roeselaire camp before being transferred to Stendal.

Johnstone was fortunate to survive his injuries, being repatriated on 2 January 1919. He was discharged not long afterwards on 11 April 1919; sold together with copied casualty rolls and service papers as well as one original veterans badge and one For Service at the Front Badge.

Further entitled to the 1914-15 Star.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£70

Starting price
£30