Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Stanley Weston, service number 3212, 2 PNR BN (2nd Pioneer Battalion), A.I.F.

Private Stanley Weston was the son of Thomas and Jessie Weston of Kensington, Victoria. He embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Hororata on 23 November 1916. He died of wounds on 8 October 1918, aged 23 years. Private Weston is buried at the Tincourt New British Cemetery in France.

"During the war there was a much heavier reliance on field work and roads and railways needed to be maintained. Engineers alone could not meet the heavy demand, while rifle men were always needed at the front. Therefore, pioneer battalions were raised to meet the needs of both and trained to support engineers and infantry. In 1916 the AIF raised five pioneer battalions, one per division. They were organised like a normal infantry battalion, with a lieutenant colonel in command, a headquarters staff, and four companies. Personnel normally posed a variety of trades and skills."

"The British War Medal 1914-1920, authorised in 1919, was awarded to eligible service personnel and civilians alike. Qualification for the award varied slightly according to service. The basic requirement for army personnel and civilians was that they either entered a theatre of war, or rendered approved service overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Service in Russia in 1919 and 1920 also qualified for the award."

Obverse Description

Bare head of King George V facing left; text around, 'GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'; the artist's initials 'B.M.' (Bertram MacKennal) are on the neck truncation.

Reverse Description

Naked figure of St. George on horseback advancing right trampling a shield bearing an eagle design and a skull and crossbone. Above, the sun; in the background, the ocean; text around, '1914 1918'.

Edge Description

Text; '3212 PTE. S. WESTON. 2 - PNR. BN. A.I.F.'.

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