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The Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) was awarded to non-permanent active militia, with the rank of commissioned officers, for 20 years of commendable service. It was awarded from February 4, 1901, until being discontinued on December 31, 1931. Only 850 Queen Victoria era VD medals were issued to Canadian Officers.
The Canada General Service Medal was a Canadian campaign medal awarded to members of the Imperial and Canadian forces for duties and taking part in the suppression of the Fenian raids and Riel’s First Rebellion (aka the Red River Expedition) between 1866 and 1871. The medal was not issued until January 1899 and had to be applied for only if the recipient was still alive. A total of 13,000 “1866” bars were awarded to all Canadians – of which 108 were awarded to members of the 1st PWR and 78 were awarded 6th Battalion Hochelaga Light Infantry, for a combined total of 186 medals with 1866 bar awarded to The Regiment.
Lieut. Col. Butler originally commissioned with the 1st Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada in 1855 and was promoted Captain in 1880. He became adjutant in 1881 and promoted to Major in 1884. He was the last serving CO of the 1st PWR prior to the amalgamation with the 6th Battalion Fusiliers to form the 1st Prince of Wales Fusiliers (1st PWRF).Name/Title
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