Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Frank Adams, service number 2104, 5th Battalion and 1-12 Reinforcements, A.I.F.

Private Adams was born Spotswood, Victoria, and was grocer when he joined on 6 March 1915, aged 25 years and 10 months. He embarked on 25 June in 1915 aboard the HMAT Ceramic, from Sydney. Adams was wounded on 8 August 1915 in Gallipoli. He suffered a shell wound to the head that caused a compound fracture of the skull. He was operated on on the hospital ship then transferred to London hospital in 1915. Private Adams was discharged on 30 July 1916 as an invalid.

"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; '2104 PTE. F. ADAMS. 5 BN. A.I.F.'.

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