Summary
British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Cpl. Harry Watkins, service number 657, 5th Battalion, A.I.F.
Corporal Watkins address was listed as 12 Little Moray Street, Sth Melbourne. He was born in Newmarket, Melbourne, and was a labourer when he joined as a Private on 28 January 1914 in South Melbourne, aged 26 years . His wife was Mrs M. Watkins of 136 Cubitt Street, Richmond. It is possible they married in 1916 (Watkins next of kin prior to this was his mother). Watkins was in Egypt, then the Dardanelles in July 1915. He was injured at Anzac in August 1915 and hospitalised in Egypt. He rejoined his unit in February 1916 and was then in France in June 1916. He suffered from trench fever in May 1917 and in March 1918 went to England prior to his return to Australia. Corporal Watkins was discharged in August 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; '657 CPL. H. WATKINS. 5/BN. A.I.F.'.
Significance
Awarded to: 657 CPL. H. WATKINS. 5/BN. A.I.F.
From National Archives of Australia; B2455 World War One service records:
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation & Subsequent Transfer from Victorian Branch, Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL), Mrs I. M. Cahill, May 1983
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Date Issued
1919 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
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Artist
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Artist
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Awarded To
Corporal Harry Watkins, Australia, 1919-1920
657 Cpl H. Watkins, 5th Battalion, A.I.F. -
Inscriptions
Obverse; 'GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'. 'B.M.' (Bertram MacKennal - artist). Reverse; '1914 1918'. Edge; '657 CPL. H. WATKINS. 5/BN. A.I.F.'.
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
36 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round with mount and ribbon
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References
References: [Link 1]
[Book] Joslin, E C., et al. 1988. British Battles and Medals., 228 - 9 Pages
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Keywords