An original & genuine pair of BRITISH WWI MEDALS Issue To an Ordinary Seaman in the ROYAL NAVAL CANADIAN VOLUNTEER RESERVE OVERSEAS. Both Medals are marked: J D REED, ORD. Full description is: JAMES DONALD REED ORDINARY SEAMAN V. 4056 ROYAL NAVAL CANADIAN VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
James D Reed enlisted & served in the R. Overseas Division, one of only 1,700 seamen out of a total of over 9,600 who served outside Canada. Is well documented on-line, but in summary was a naval reserve unit established in Canada May 1914 and existed until 1923. Seamen could serve with either the Canadian Royal Navy or Royal Navy during wartime.
During the First World War an Overseas Division was created and most of these went to the U K. I have owned this medal pair for nearly 20 years and in 2007 received full documentation on James D Reed from the Canadian Archives in Ottawa.
In addition I have a few extra pages of information and all will be included with the medals. J D Reed enlisted 1st June 1917, proceeded overseas July 1917 and served on ships of the Royal Navy until his return to Canada 9 August 1918. He was demobilized 28 April 1919.James Reed's application said he was born April 18 1899 with an address in Lethbridge Alberta Ca and with the trade of farmer. It stated his Father Victor S Reed resided in Spokane WA. James Reed served on a number of Royal Navy vessels probably on minesweeper operations (ex fishing trawlers) in the North Sea. However, there is correspondence in the files - from his Father - stating HE WAS ONLY 15 Years Of Age at the time and enlisted without the APPROVAL OF HIS FATHER / GUARDIAN. Thus his DOB was likely around 1902 and more interestingly, he might have been a US citizen or had dual US / CANADIAN citizenship?
What is certain however, is James D Reed resided in Spokane after his return from Europe and is listed on the 1920 & 1930 US Census. The official Ottawa Records are detailed and confirm the award of James Reed's qualification for the Naval Prize Fund.
He also made application through the Canadian Legion Branch in Spokane for his WWI medals and a numbered War Medal Badge, delivered November 1930 - the badge is missing. An interesting and rare Canadian First War unit with extensive supporting document. The item "ROYAL NAVAL CANADIAN VOLUNTEER RESERVE NAMED MEDAL PAIR & Supporting Docs WWI" is in sale since Monday, June 15, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\Canada". The seller is "shackvp293" and is located in Unites States. This item can be shipped worldwide.