Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private W. M. McKie, 31st (Alberta) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action at battle of Sanctuary Wood on 2 June 1916

1914-15 Star (79257 Pte. W. M. McKie, 31/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (79257 Pte. W. M. McKie, 31-Can. Inf.), good very fine (3) £140-180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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William Miller McKie was born in Canfauns, Perthshire, on 9 December 1884. A Farmer by occupation, he enlisted in the 31st (Alberta) Battalion at Calgary in November 1914. During his subsequent period of training in Canada, it is recorded in the regimental history that ‘On one occasion Captain Macpherson was making a round of the ‘C’ Company quarters when, on entering one of the cubicles, he came upon one Private McKie lying in one of the middle bunks smoking a pipe. McKie observed his superior officer and, anxious to show that respect for authority which was being rapidly instilled into him, but as yet somewhat lacking in knowledge of military etiquette, solemnly saluted with pipe in mouth while still stretched prone upon his bunk’.

McKie arrived in England in May 1915 and proceeded to France in September 1915, where in May 1916 he was attached for duty with the 2nd Canadian Tunnelling Company. He was listed as ‘missing’ on 2 June 1916, and was later listed as killed on that date. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial; sold with copied service and other papers.