Name/Title
1928 - Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Marksman Silver Medallion Awarded to 177312 Sergeant James Smith Douglas in 1928Description
Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Marksman Awarded to 177312 Sergeant James Smith Douglas in 1928 manufactured by Henry Birks & Sons of Montreal.
Obverse: illustrating two standing riflemen shaking hands, backed by the Canadian coat-of-arms, inscribed in Latin "VIS UNITA FORTIOR" (Force is Stronger) below the riflemen, inside a beaded border,
Reverse: Inscribed "PRESENTED BY THE DOMINION OF CANADA RIFLE ASSOCIATION 1868", inside a beaded border, 44.8 mm, edge nicks bruised, very fine.- 45 Grams Sterling silver,
Recipient: Sergeant James Smith Douglas was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 13th, 1897, and immigrated to Montreal in early 1910 to work as a Jeweler. He enlisted with the 87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) on 25th October 1915 and was trained in marksmanship with 4th Division Training School before rejoining the 87th Battalion in early 1917. He was severely wounded during the Battle of Vimy Ridge on 9th April 1917 when he was shot in the left hand and severe deafness in both ears. He was invalided to the UK and then to Canada on 1st December 1917. He remained with CGG in Montreal throughout the war and post 1920, became a part of the CGG Competitive Shooting Team which won a total of 7 National (Dominion of Canada) Marksman Titles between 1921 and 1928. Along with CSM Penman of CGG, Sgt Douglas won the title in 1928 (Medallion Shown). CSM Penman (CGG) was CGG's Team Captain and one of CGG's most successful shooters. Sergeant Douglas Passed away in Montreal on 24th January 1971.Context
The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association was founded in 1868 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament 63-64 Victoria Chapter 99, assented to July 7, 1900, to promote and encourage the training of marksmanship throughout Canada. The passage of this Act was prompted by the imminent departure of the British Garrisons, who had all left by 1871, and by the then recent experience of the Fenian Raids which had occurred in 1866 against Canadian territory.
On April 1st 1868, the Adjutant General of the Militia, General MacDougall, through the Honourable Minister of Militia, Sir G.E. Cartier, called a meeting in Ottawa of representatives of the Provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. At this meeting, it was decided to proceed with the formation of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and the Governor General, his Excellency Viscount Monck accepted the role of Patron of the Association, a position held to this day by the current Governor General. The Association at that time brought together thirty three independent rifle associations.
Rules, a Constitution and By-Laws were drawn up, a Council and Executive selected and a date was set for the first Annual Prize Meeting which was held at Laprairie, just outside Montreal. In excess of 900 competitors turned up to compete for $5,500 in prize money. The DCRA has continued to hold prize meetings every year since, except during the two World Wars.Created By
Major Brian Tracey, MMM, CD4, retiredCreate Date
July 5, 2022Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 4, 2025
