Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a great example of a WWI Canadian “Military Medal”, which was awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. This example is engraved along the rim:

234258 PTE. G. BRUNTON. 44/CAN. INF. 

This indicates issue to Private Gilbert Brunton, 44th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Brunton’s Military Medal citation reads:

On August 23rd, 1917, south-west of Lens, during the attack on the Green Crassier this man acted as Runner. He carries messages under heavy shelling and machine gun fire, and acted as guide to reinforcements and carrying parties. He never failed to get through quickly.

Brunton was engaged with a working party in the Passchendaele area, on November 15th, 1917. Owing to heavy shelling the party was dispersed and when it was assembled later, Private Brunton was missing. Information was later received that his body was recovered and buried. He is listed as being Killed in Action on November 15th, 1917.

The medal retains its original ribbon which has no pin and was meant to be sewn. The medal is in great shape overall and is the original medal issued to Branton shortly before his death.

Gilbert Brunton was born on November 6th, 1898 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was attested on March 13th, 1916, and was assigned to the 44th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. He had previously served with the 90th Home Defense. There is a street in Barrie named after Brunton, called Brunton Circle.

This is a really tremendous Military Medal to a soldier killed in action shortly thereafter. Comes ready for further research and display.