Sub-Lieutenant Paul was among Canada's first sailors to serve in a theatre of war.

Paul served in HMCS Niobe during coastal patrols and blockade work off the American east coast for the first year of the war. His medals include the 1914-1915 Star (left), issued for service in any theatre of war before 31 December 1915. Since Canada considered "overseas" to be service beyond the three-mile territorial limit, many members of the Royal Canadian Navy were entitled to this star. The set also includes the British War Medal (centre) and the Victory Medal (right).

Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19830048-002