Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to W.O. 2 William Edward Green, service number 12, who first served in the 1st Light Horse Brigade, A.I.F., during World War I and later worked at Australian Headquarters.

Green was born in Marong, near Bendigo, Victoria. He was a clerk when he joined on 18 August 1914, aged 21 years and 1 month. In May 1915 Green was serving in Gallipoli. He suffered from diarrhoea and was hospitalised in Alexandria before rejoining his unit in Gallipoli in November 1915. Corporal Green was in Egypt 1916-18 before being promoted to Staff Sergeant in March 1916. He was again promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2 in May 1918. Green was also involved with the Postal corps and Anzac Mounted Division HQ. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and was mentioned in dispatches by General Sir A. Murray in 28 June 1917 (published in Gazette 30391, London 20 Nov 1917) for work in Australian Headquarters. Warrant Officer Green was discharged on 2 May 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; '12 ER / W.O (2) W.E. GREEN. 1 / L.H. BHQ. A.I.F'.

More Information