*Canada, WW2, Canadian Memorial Cross (Silver Cross) GVIR, Named to Capt. R.H. French, Royal Canadian Army Dental Corps, Normandy Casualty 1944 – Lackie Sterling*
A Second World War Canadian Memorial Cross (“Silver Cross”) in sterling silver, issued in memory of Captain R.H. French of the Royal Canadian Army Dental Corps, who died in service during the Normandy campaign in July 1944.
The cross is of the standard form introduced after the First World War, comprising a silver cross pattée surmounted by a crown with the GVIR cypher (Georgius VI Rex) to the centre. The arms of the cross feature stylised maple leaves representing Canada, with a laurel wreath behind the central device. The medal is suspended from its original purple silk ribbon, the traditional mourning colour used for this award.
The reverse is officially engraved in capital letters: “CAPT. R. H. FRENCH”. This government engraving style was applied before the medal was issued to the bereaved family. At the lower reverse the cross carries the maker’s mark: “LACKIE / horseshoe hallmark / STERLING” This identifies the manufacturer as Lackie Manufacturing Company of Toronto, one of the Canadian firms contracted to produce Memorial Crosses during the Second World War.
Approx. Measurements – Height (including suspension ring): 3.3 cm. Width: 3.3 cm.
History Note:
The Canadian Memorial Cross was instituted in 1919 by King George V as a personal tribute to the families of Canadian servicemen who died in active service. Commonly known as the “Silver Cross,” it was traditionally presented to the mother or widow of the fallen soldier.
This example is named to Captain Roy Howard French (1915–1944) of the Royal Canadian Army Dental Corps. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Willis and Alice Rose French and the husband of Marion Kathryn French. Captain French died on 16 July 1944, aged 29, during the fighting in Normandy following the Allied landings in France. He is buried at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Reviers, France (Grave IX.F.15), a cemetery containing many Canadian soldiers who fell during the early stages of the Normandy campaign.
Officers of the Royal Canadian Army Dental Corps provided essential dental care to frontline troops, ensuring soldiers remained fit for service during prolonged operations.
*Condition*
Very good overall condition. The silver cross retains good definition to the crown, maple leaves and central cypher, with light surface wear consistent with age. Official naming to the reverse remains clear and legible. Maker’s mark and STERLING stamp are well struck. Ribbon appears original and remains in good order with only minor handling wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
