British War Medal

item details

NameBritish War Medal

ProductionSir Bertram Mackennal; designer; 1919; England
Royal Mint; maker/artist; 1919; England

Classificationmedals

Materialssilver, ribbon

Materials SummarySilver medal with ribbon

DimensionsOverall: 5mm (width), 160mm (height), 37mm (length), 36mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH011687

Credit lineGift of Miss Phyllis A Rolfes, 1966

Overview

The British War Medal was instituted in 1919 to recognise the conclusion of the First World War (1914-1919).

The obverse of this medal shows the uncrowned left-facing profile of King George V by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The reverse of the medal depicts St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones (the emblems of death). Above, the sun has risen in victory. The figure is mounted on horseback to symbolise man's mind controlling a force of greater strength than his own (alluding to the scientific and mechanical developments and machines used during the war).

Throughout the British Empire about 6.5 million medals were awarded in silver. Approximately another 110,000 were awarded in bronze, mainly to Chinese, Indian and Maltese personnel in labour battalions.