Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Dvr. Fredrick Arthur Eastwood, service number 5805, 1 D.A.C. (1st Divisional Ammunition Column), A.I.F.

Driver Eastwood was born in Caulfield, Victoria. He was a butcher when he joined on 23 June 1915, aged 22 years and 10 months. Eastwood embarked from Melbourne on 11 October 1915 on HMAT Nestor. He was in France in 1916 when he was hospitalised with appendicitis and had to travel to England for an operation. Privated Eastwood 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 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; '5805 DVR. F.A. EASTWOOD 1 D.A.C. A.I.F.'.

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