Summary

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Dvr. Fredrick Arthur Eastwood, service number. 5805, 1 D.A.C., A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Driver Eastwood, 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, was born in Caulfield, Melbourne, Victoria. He was a butcher before enlisting in the army on 23 June 1915 aged 22 years and 10 months. He embarked from Melbourne on 11 October 1915 on HMAT Nestor and arrived in France in 1916. During this time he was hospitalised with appendicitis and later went to England for an operation. He was discharged on 28 July 1919.

'A driver was a soldier trained in the management and use of horses. The six horses drawing the gun, or wagon, were driven by three drivers, all on the nearside horses, and much training was required before drivers would be rated as competent. The drivers, of course, also looked after the horses and the management, condition and state of health of these animals was regarded as one of the most important functions in the battery.'

The 1914-15 Star was authorised in 1918 to be awarded to those who saw service between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 (excluding those who were eligible for the 1914 Star) - 2,350,000 were issued.

Physical Description

Bronze four point star medal 'ensigned' by a crown. Ribbon is striped in the three colours of the Empire which are shaded and watered.

Obverse Description

Four pointed star with the top point replaced by a crown with attached loop and ribbon, crossed swords project between the points of the star and at the centre, within an oak wreath, a scroll crossing the swords reads '1914-15'; at the base of the wreath is a large 'G' which encloses a 'V' (King George V).

Reverse Description

Stamped; '5805 DVR. F.A. EASTWOOD. 1 D.A.C. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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