I Finally Photographed these World War II Medals.

PhilArnold

I don't know why, but I've never properly imaged these war medals that had belonged to my grandfather* for his service in WWII. They've been in my possession for over 30 years now. I brought them out of storage recently and saw that they had toned up rather nicely. Although, it has to be said, these have definitely been cleaned. However, that's not unusual and indeed to be expected: the booklet given to veterans with the medals states you ought to polish them.

Corporal Norman Jerry, originally enlisted voluntarily in 1940 with the aim of getting into photography with the Royal Canadian Air Force. From what I gather from the service records I obtained from the Canadian Archives he spent a lot of time producing images for training purposes, and training other photography groups. He was shipped overseas in the lead up to D-Day to take images of the squadron. The exact nature I'm not sure but I was told some of it was reconnaissance.

Below is a service file photo I acquired from the Canadian Archives.

The awards are The France and Germany Star (a uniface medal), the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945, and the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal. The CVSM was engraved by Royal Canadian Mint master engraver Thomas Shingles. Shown in the order they were to be adorned from left to right.

*Technically he was my grandmother's second husband who she married in the late 70s. I still called him grandpa.

TwoKopeiki

Outstanding! Your grandpa would be proud to see you trailblaze numismatic photography.

TomB

Fantastic images and wonderful write-up. Regardless of how he was your grandfather, I am certain there was a strong and obvious bond between the two of you. Thank you for sharing these.

Abuelo

What a family treasure!
Yes, your grandfather!

coinkat

great images with a compelling story