A WWII Canadian Efficiency Group - 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-1945; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp; and Efficiency Medal, George VI (CPL R.A. MERCER RC SIGS). Naming is officially impressed on the EM, while the others are un-named. Un-mounted, dark patinas on the silver medals, original ribbons, extremely fine. Accompanied by two Ribbon Bars (1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Maple Leaf Clasp, Efficiency Medal), Soldier's Service Book, seven Canadian Army Soldier's Pay Books, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Cap Badge, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Shoulder Flash, 8th Army Shoulder Flash, Five Year Service Chevron Sleeve Patch, Department of National Defence, Army Efficiency Medal Award Letter, Department of National Defence, Army Additional Ribbons Letter, along with copies of his Service Records, Discharge Certificate and Recommendation Letter for the Efficiency Medal.Footnote: Reginald Archibald Mercer was born on August 4, 1917 in Mimico, Ontario and had been a Soda Dispenser and Clerk (Typist) in his civilian life, along with having previous military service with the York Rangers (September 1934 to October 1937) and the 2nd Division Signals NPAM (Non-Permanent Active Militia, from April 30, 1937 to October 22, 1937 and October 21, 1938 to September 3, 1939), when he enlisted with the 2nd Division Signals on September 4, 1939 at Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 22, naming his next-of-kin as his father, Mr. G.W. Mercer of Toronto. Ten weeks later, he was posted to Barryfield, Ontario on November 10th for three weeks training, then cross posted to 1st Division Signals on December 5th. With the Second World War well under way, Mercer embarked by ship from Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 7th, disembarked in the United Kingdom on the 18th. He was transferred to 1 Corps Signals on July 26, 1940. During his tour in the Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe, he qualified as a Storeman 'C' (April 30, 1941), Clerk 'C' (November 17, 1941) and Clerk 'B' (April 27, 1944) and qualified for one Good Conduct Badge (September 4, 1941). He was appointed Acting Lance Corporal (July 15, 1943) and Acting Corporal (October 3, 1943). After his European tour was over with 1 Corps Signals, he disembarked in France on February 24, 1945, remaining with them until April 4th. Mercer returned to Canada and was discharged on August 18, 1945 at No. 2 District Depot in Toronto, Ontario, credited with having served in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe. He qualified for the Efficiency Medal, credited with fifteen months and thirty-four days in the 2nd Division Signals and four years, eighteen months and twenty-nine days in 1 Corps Signals (which was doubled upon active service), totaling twelve years, six months and one day.
