Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Frederick James Payne Davies, service number 636, 31st Battalion, A.I.F.

Private Davies was born in Yarraville, Victoria. He was a joiner when he joined on 12 July 1915 aged 18 years and 4 months. His father was William Davies of 46 Bayview Rd, Yarraville. Davies embarked from Melbourne on 9 November 1915 on HMAT Wandilla. He was in Egypt in 1916. In November 1917, whilst a gunner, he was gassed and sent to hospital in England. In October 1918 he was gassed again in France. Prvate Davies returned to Australia in January 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; '636 PTE. F.J.P. DAVIES. 31 BN. A.I.F.'.

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