North West Canada Medal

Instituted:
Authorised by the Canadian Government on 18th September 1885.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who were serving west of Thunder Bay and who took part in the suppression of Riel's (Second) Rebellion of 1885.

Description:
Silver, 35mm wide. The obverse, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, portrays the diademed and veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse, designed by Thomas Brock, depicts a maple wreath enclosing the words NORTH WEST CANADA 1885. The words appear in the following order:

NORTH WEST

1885

CANADA

Suspension:
A swivelling suspender.

Ribbon:
33mm wide; blue grey and with red stripe close to each edge.

Naming:
The medal was issued unnamed although many were subsequently named locally and the units often shown in abbreviated forms.

Clasps:
One clasp was issued for SASKATCHEWAN.

Other:
Also see the Canada General Service Medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue and shows the North West Canada Medal with Saskatchewan clasp. British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.