British War Medal

item details

NameBritish War Medal

ProductionSir Bertram Mackennal; designer; 1919; United Kingdom
Royal Mint; maker/artist; 1919

Classificationmedals

Materialssilver, silk

Materials SummarySilver medal with ribbon

DimensionsOverall: 38mm (width), 82mm (height), 7mm (depth)

Registration NumberNU006844

Credit lineGift of the Army Museums Ogilby Trust, 1975

Overview

This British War Medal was awarded to mark the war service of Private Barry Pfundt of the Auckland Infantry Battalion. Barry Pfundt was killed on 25 April 1915, the day that Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on Gallipoli. The medal was sent to his parents in England after the war ended.

Establishment
The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War I) for the Allies, and the arduous services rendered by His Majesty's Forces. The medal was issued in both silver and bronze. Throughout the British Empire, 6.5 million were issued in silver, and 110,000 in bronze.

Details
The front, or obverse side, shows the head of the reigning British monarch, King George V. The head is based on the sculpture by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The reverse shows Saint George on a horse, trampling the eagle shields of the defeated 'Central Powers' (Germany and Austria-Hungary) as well as a skull and crossbones (an emblem of death). Above, the sun has risen victoriously.