Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Sjt. Albert Edward Johnston, service number 1147, 22nd Battalion, A.I.F.

Sergeant Johnston was born in Carlton, Victoria on 2 May 1891. He was a bootmaker in Carlton when he joined on 1 May 1915 and became a surgical shoemaker. He embarked in May 1915. In and out of hospital during July, August and September of 1915, Johnston was suffering from rheumatic fever in November 1915. He was discharged on 25 January 1916. He had a mental breakdown in 1933 and later lost his papers and medals. His wife left him and by January 1940 Johnston was residing at the Talbot Colony in Clayton.
The Talbot Colony for Epileptics opened in 1907. The centre later expanded to provide care and assistance to people with other medical issues and disabilities.

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

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