Victory Medal

This Victory Medal was awarded to commemorate the war service of Private Herman John Rolfes with the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment.

Establishment
Victory Medals were awarded to all members of the Allied fighting forces who served in an active theatre of operations, or at sea, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Women who served as nurses or in the women's branches of fighting services, or in auxiliary services such as canteens and charitable organisations, were also eligible for the medal. It was always issued with the British War Medal, never alone.

The medal was also sent to the next-of-kin of those who lost their lives on active service.

Details
The Victory Medal is made of a gold-coloured metal (lacquered bronze) and was issued with a double-rainbow patterned ribbon. Each medal was inscribed around the rim with the recipient's name and service number. The front, or obverse side, depicts the figure of Athene Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with her left arm extended and her right hand holding a palm branch. On the reverse side is the legend 'THE GREAT/ WAR FOR/ CIVILIZATION/ 1914-1919' surrounded by a wreath.