Summary

1914-1915 Star medal awarded to the late Cpl. John Peile, service number 2662, 2nd Battalion, A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Corporal Peile was born in Echuca, Victoria, the son of John and Mary Agnes Peile. He was an unmarried miner when he joined on 25 June 1915, at the age of 38. He served in the 2nd Battalion, AIF, in Gallipoli and France. He died in France on 18 September 1918 and is buried at Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, France (III. H. 9).

His medal was incorrectly inscribed with the spelling 'PIELE' and his rank at death was corporal rather than private.

His younger brother Albert Victor was also killed in World War I.

The 1914-15 Star was authorised in 1918 to be awarded to those who saw service between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 (excluding those who were eligible for the 1914 Star) - 2,350,000 were issued. Personnel who were eligible for the 1914-1915 Star automatically qualified for the British War Medal 1914-1920 and the Victory Medal 1914-19. Albert and John Peile were awarded all three which were then sent to their mother, Mary Agnes Peile, as their next of kin. The National Archives holds the receipts for these medals along with their service records.

Physical Description

Bronze four point star medal 'ensigned' by a crown. Ribbon is striped in the three colours of the Empire which are shaded and watered.

Obverse Description

Four pointed star with the top point replaced by a crown with attached loop and ribbon, crossed swords project between the points of the star and at the centre, within an oak wreath, a scroll crossing the swords reads '1914-15'; at the base of the wreath is a large 'G' which encloses a 'V' (King George V).

Reverse Description

Stamped; '2662 PTE. J. PIELE 2 / BN A.I.F'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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