Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Leslie Archibald Hayes, service number 568, 29th Battalion, A.I.F.

Private Hayes was born in Dunkeld, Victoria, and was a blacksmith when he joined on 20 July 1915, aged 18 years and 11 months. He embarked from Melbourne on 10 November 1915 on the HMAT Ascanius. He was first located in Ismailia, Egypt, then later in France. Private Hayes died on 26 July 1916 at the 1st casualty clearing station in France of grenade wounds received in action. He is buried at Estaires Communal Cemetery.

"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; '568 PTE. L.A. HAYES. 29 BN. A.I.F.'.

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