Summary

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Pte. Alfred Sanderson Skilbeck, service number 2190, 26th Battalion, A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Private Skilbeck was born Bendigo, Victoria, in 1893. He was a miner when he joined on 19 September 1915 in Claremont, Tasmania, aged 22 years. Skilbeck embarked from Brisbane on 20 September 1915 on the HMAT Armadale. In 1916 he was in Egypt before going on leave in May 1917 whilst in France. He suffered from gonorrhea shortly after and was treated several times. He rejoined the battalion in September in 1917, was discharged 1919 and deemed medically unfit in 1923. Private Skilbeck resided in Pearson Street, West Brunswick.

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; '2190 PTE. A.S. SKILBECK. 26 / BN. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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