Silver platter, four legged. Very large. Engraved with 1 Canadian Division formation sign and "Major General G. R. Pearkes, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. G.O.C. 1 Canadian. DIV. 1st September 1942 from" (Signatures of officers listing unit e.g. "J.D. Forin Seaforth"). The donation came with the appraisal letter of $8,500, It was purchased for $2,500.00 by the Seaforth Patron's Corps. Hon Lt Col Mike Shields made the actual purchase on behalf on the Seaforth Foundation which in turn donated the platter to the Museum. The donation came with two photographs of George Pearkes and Dick Danby taken in the 1960s and during WW II. Also attached is a letter from John Pearkes (George's son) giving the platter to Danby. There is also a letter from Danby's widow, Jeanne stating that she wanted to donate the platter to the "Royal Museum" in Victoria and that she would like a tax receipt. It is not sure who this letter was addressed to. MGen Pearkes served as the Commanding Officer of the 1st Division from 20 July 1940 to 1 September 1942. The 1st Canadian Infantry Division was remobilized before Canada's formal entrance into the Second World War. The division crossed the Atlantic in two main convoys at the end of 1939, with additional troops reaching the United Kingdom at the beginning of February 1940. In 1941, the formation adopted the red rectangular battle patch insignia worn by the 1st Canadian Division in the First World War. All elements of the division were far from completely equipped on mobilization: of the artillery and machine guns on hand, most were obsolete, and the troops lacked steel helmets. Only gradually did a full complement of more modern weapons, equipment, and transport begin reaching the division in 1940. Nevertheless, in the wake of the Dunkirk evacuation the Canadians were ordered to France in June 1940. The division trained in England for three years before transferring to the Mediterranean theatre