Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to A-Sgt. William Marcus Osborne, service number 13922, 4th D.S.C. (Divisional Supply Column), A.I.F.

Sergeant Osborne was born in London, England and was a railway employee (engine driver) before enlisting. He joined on 20 September 1916, aged 30 years and 7 months. He was married to Mrs Ruby Osborne and lived at 29 Moorhouse St, East Camberwell. Sergeant Osborne embarked from Melbourne on 23 December 1916 on the RMS Orontes. He was a Mechanical Transport Driver with 9 ASC 17 Divisional Supply Column 300 Company in England and France. He was later discharged due to subacute nephritis on 6 December 1918.

"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; '13922 A-SGT. W.M. OSBORNE 4-D.S.C. A.I.F.'.

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