Summary

Military Medal, George V, 1st Issue, awarded to Pte. W.P. McDonnell, service number 3190, 58th Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF.

The Military Medal was instituted on 25 March 1916 as a gallantry medal for NCOs and men in the army for individual or associated acts of bravery, in June 1916 it was extended to women. Bars are awarded for additional acts that would warrant the medal. During World War I 115,600 Military Medals were awarded, 5796 first bars, 180 second bars and one third bar. In 1993 this award was discontinued.

Physical Description

A round silver medal (36 mm diameter) with mount but no ribbon.

Obverse Description

Bust of George V wearing field marshal's uniform, head bare, facing left; around, 'GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'; the artist's initials 'B.M.' (Bertram MacKennal) are on the bust truncation.

Reverse Description

Royal cypher GVR (George V King) above the legend 'FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD' within a laurel wreath with crown at top. The edge is impressed '3190 PTE. W.P. Mc.DONNELL. 58 / AUST: INF: BN:'.

Edge Description

3190 PTE. W.P. Mc.DONNELL. 58 / AUST: INF: BN:

Significance

Awarded to: 3190 PTE. W.P. Mc.DONNELL. 58 / AUST: INF: BN:
The MM was instituted on 25 March 1916 as a gallantry medal for NCOs and men in the army for individual or associated acts of bravery, in June 1916 it was extended to women. Bars are awarded for additional acts that would warrent the medal. During World War I 115,600 MMs were awarded, 5796 first bars, 180 second bars and one third bar. In 1993 this award was discontinued.

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