Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Joseph Holroyd, service number 4733, 21st Battalion, 1 to 12 Reinforcements (June 1915 - April 1916), A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Private Holroyd was a labourer when he joined on 19 October 1916, aged 33 years. He was married to Cecilia Holroyd and they lived in Newport, Victoria. Holroyd embarked from Melbourne on 4 April 1916 on the HMAT Euripides (which is before his date of joining based on nominal roll records).

"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; '4733 PTE. J. HOLROYD. 21 BN. A.I.F.'.

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