Lusitania medallion, British issue

Imitation as propaganda

This medallion is a British issue replica of the Lusitania Medallion, appropriated to create anti-German propaganda. The original medallion was privately made by German artist Karl Goetz, in response to the sinking of the Cunard liner RSM Lusitania by German U-Boat torpedo on 7 May 1915. The sinking of the passenger ship helped fuel Britain's propaganda campaign against Germany and influenced the United States entry into the war: 1,201 men, women and children were lost; of these, 128 were American citizens.

Goetz's original purpose

Goetz was sure of the justice of Germany's cause. He viewed the sinking as a result of the irresponsibility of the British Government and Cunard Steamship Company in allowing the return of the liner across the Atlantic at a time of intense submarine warfare. His medal was intended to ridicule the Allies' indignation and to highlight their own negligence in the matter.

The medallion's new meaning

The British Government, masters of propaganda, saw opportunity to use Goetz's creation to Britain's advantage. The Allies generally believed Germany had premeditated the attack on the Lusitania even though it was an unarmed liner, and Goetz's medal only enhanced this view. The artist had got the date wrong on his design, dating the Lusitania sinking as '5. Mai' instead of 7 May. His error was used by the British to imply the sinking had been premeditated.

In reproducing the medallion, the British Government created the myth Goetz's medallion was an official German commemoration of the sinking. This implied the act had national approval, successfully inciting the disgust and anger of the British public.

Propagandist fundraising at Selfridge's

The famous London department store, Selfridge's, mass produced around 300,000 copies of the medal, accompanied by a very anti-German 'explanatory' leaflet. They sold for 1 pound each and proceeds went to the St. Dunstan's Blinded Soldiers and Sailers Hostel and the Red Cross.