Summary

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Sgt. Albert Edward Johnston, service number 1147, 22nd Battalion, A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Albert Edward Johnston was a Carlton bootmaker, born on 2 May 1891 in Carlton, Victoria. He joined on 1 May 1915 as a surgical shoemaker. Johnston embarked in May 1915 as a sergeant in the 22nd Battalion. He was in and out of hospital in July, August and September of 1915. He contracted Rheumatic fever in November 1915 and was discharged on 25 January 1916. In 1933 Johnston suffered a mental breakdown. He then lost his papers and medals and his wife left him in January 1940. Following this Johnston then resided at the Talbot Colony for Epileptics in Clayton. The centre cared for and assisted in the rehabilitation of people suffering from epilepsy and other disabilities.

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.

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; '1147 SJT. A.E. JOHNSTON. 22. BN. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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