Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Private Aubrey Gordon Neal, service number 106, 8th L.H. RGT. (Light Horse Regiment), A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Private Neal lived in Collingwood, Victoria and was a labourer when he joined on 10 September, 1914, aged 21 years and 2 months. Whilst in Gallipoli he had tonsillitis and was taken to Malta. He returned to Gallipoli where he suffered from trench foot. He also contracted diphtheria in Gallipoli in 1916. Private Neal returned to Australia in January 1919.

"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; '106 PTE. A.G. NEAL 8 / L.H. RGT A.I.F.'.

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