This British war medal was awarded to all ranks of Canadian overseas military forces between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. This particular one was awarded to Clifford Robinson Oulton from Bridgedale, New Brunswick, who in 1916 joined the 145th Battalion out of Moncton, [at just 14 years old]. The remarkable thing about Clifford Robinson Oulton was that he was only 14 years old when he enlisted. Sadly, he would become one of hundreds of underage boys killed in the First World War.
He trained with the 145th and sailed to England on October 7, 1916., before bing transferred to St. Martins Plain, England and the 9th Reserve Battalion. On October 27, 1916 he sailed for France and was taken to the 5th Canadian Mounted Regiment, being posted at the front. He arrived just in time to see the last of the Canadian offensive at the Battle of the Somme, and was with them during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and finally Passchendaele. During the Battle of Passchendaele, the 5th Canadian Mounted Regiment fighting strength was reduced by 60% in a single day.
Clifford Robinson Oulton, serial no. 832241, was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele. On the morning of October 31, 1917, while pressing the attack, he was shot multiple times. He was just 15 years and 334 days old.