*Canadian, WW1, Canadian Memorial Cross (Silver Cross) – Named 138382 Pte. J.A. Ternent, 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), Killed Somme 1916*
A World War One Canadian Memorial Cross, struck in sterling silver and officially engraved on the reverse “138382 Pte. J.A. Ternent.”
The Memorial Cross, often known as the “Silver Cross” or “Mother’s Cross,” was instituted in 1919 and issued to the mother or widow of Canadian servicemen who died on active service. It served as a deeply personal token of remembrance recognising the sacrifice made by Canadian soldiers and their families during the war.
The decoration is formed as a silver cross patonce, surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. The arms of the cross are decorated with maple leaves, representing Canada. At the centre is the royal cypher “GRI” (Georgius Rex Imperator) beneath a crown, denoting the reign of King George V, confirming the issue relates to the First World War period.
The reverse bears the official impressed naming: “138382 Pte. J.A. Ternent”
The lower part is stamped “STERLING” together with a boxed “R” maker’s mark. This mark is attributed to Roden Bros. Ltd., Toronto, a Canadian silversmith firm established in 1891. Roden Brothers were among the private jewellery and silversmith firms contracted to manufacture Canadian Memorial Crosses after the decoration was instituted in 1919. The STERLING stamp confirms the cross is made of .925 silver, which was standard for these decorations.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 3.3 cm. Width: 3.3 cm.
History Note:
The Canadian Memorial Cross was sent to the next of kin, usually the soldier’s mother or widow, as a permanent personal memorial to their loss. This cross commemorates Private Joseph Allan Ternent, service number 138382, who served with the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
Private Ternent was killed in action on 8 October 1916, during the later phases of the Battle of the Somme, one of the most costly campaigns fought by Canadian forces during the war. Like many soldiers lost in the fighting in northern France, he has no known grave. His sacrifice is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, where the names of over 11,000 Canadian soldiers missing in France during the war are inscribed.
Roden Bros. was one of the major Canadian silver manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm produced a wide range of silverware and medals and supplied crosses to the Canadian government during the early issue period of the Memorial Cross.
*Condition*
Good overall condition with attractive age patina to the silver. Clear impressed naming to the reverse and legible STERLING mark. Light surface wear consistent with age and handling. Suspension ring intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQI0#2999_3653236716
