Frederick Candlin Letheren

Canadian Expeditionary Force

Personal Details

Born: 9 May 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 31 May 1896 at the United Reformed Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to Frederick J Letheren, a tailor and his wife Nellie, nee Candlin. He married Ellen Winifred Chaney on 8 June 1920 in Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada. The couple had three children.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1896 his family were living in Bridgewater Street, Whitchurch. In 1901 their address was Market Street, Oakengates, Shropshire. The family emigrated to Canada on 24 October 1907. In 1921 and now married he was living at 42 Bruce Street, Galt, Waterloo, Ontario. At the time of his death in 1946 he was living in Sudbury, Ontario.

Employment: On his Attestation documents he gave his occupation as a salesman. In 1921 he was an interior decorator.

Died: 23 April 1946 in Sudbury, Ontario, aged 49.

Military Details

Regiment: Canadian Expeditionary Force (Canadian Field Artillery) 

Rank: Bombardier

Service Number: 84153

Date of Enlistment: 12 November 1914

Date of Discharge: 28 January 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His brother, Colin Campbell Letheren, also served in the Canadian Field Artillery in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Frederick was awarded the Campaign medals (Victory and British War Medals)

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


 


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