Summary

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Cpl. Paul Ernest Kelsey, service number 384, 5th Battalion, A.I.F.

Corporal Kelsey was born in Armadale, Victoria. He was a clerk when he joined on 15 August 1914 aged 25 years and 8 months. Kelsey embarked from Melbourne on 21 October 1914 on HMAT Orvieto. He was wounded in Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and had also suffered from pyrexia and dysentery by August 1915. However he was not sent to France due to his heart irregularity so stayed in England as a pay sergeant. Sergeant Kelsey was discharged on 26 February 1919.

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; '384 CPL. P.E. KELSEY. 5/BN. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

More Information