Name/Title
1918 - WWI - A pair of British War and British Victory medals named to Lieutenant George Davidson Telfer - 87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) CEFScope and Content
Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ARTIFACT NOT PART OF MUSEUM COLLECTION ***
1918 - WWI Pair of engraved British War and British Victory medals named to Lieutenant George Davidson Telfer - 87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) CEF
ABOUT THE MEDALS
A total of 351,289 Victory medals (authorized on 1 September 1919) and 427,993 British War Medals (authorized on 26 July 1919) were awarded to members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
The 1914-1918 British War Medal (BWM) was awarded to all ranks of Canadian overseas military forces who came from Canada between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, or who had served in a theatre of war. Those who had enlisted in the Overseas Military Forces of Canada (OMFC) in the United Kingdom and had not served in a theatre of war were not entitled to this medal.
The 1914-1918 British Victory medal (VM) was awarded to all ranks of the fighting forces, to civilians under contract, and others employed with military hospitals who actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war between 05 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 (inclusive). It was also awarded to members of the British Naval mission to Russia 1919 - 1920 and for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11 November 1918 and 30 November 1919. This medal was always issued with the British War Medal.
ABOUT CGG THE SOLDIER
Lieutenant George Davidson Telfer was born on January 1, 1887, in Collingwood, Ontario. He was employed as a sales manager at Telfer Bros Biscuit Manufacturing and was a member of the 1st Regiment Grenadier Guards. The Telfer Brothers were a prominent family in Collingwood, Ontario, known for their Cream Soda Biscuits. Founded by Hall Telfer in 1855, the business expanded under his sons, Frank and Herbert, and became a significant part of the local community. They were the exclusive supplier of biscuits to the Prince of Wales in 1919 and played a crucial role in the Canadian biscuit industry, making Telfer's one of the largest manufacturers and biscuits a favorite among Canadian households. However, the business faced challenges and ultimately closed in 1924, but their biscuits are still considered collector's items today. Lieutenant Telfer served with the 245th Battalion, CEF. He was taken on strength by the 23rd Reserve Battalion in May 1917. He was hospitalized for gonorrhea in November 1917. In December, he proceeded overseas to the 87th Battalion and was taken on strength on the 14th. He proceeded to England in March 1919 and returned to Canada at the end of May for demobilization.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
January 1, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 20, 2026
