Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Er/Sgt. Paul Ernest Kelsey, service number 384, 5th Battalion, A.I.F.

Sergeant Kelsey was born in Armadale. He was a clerk when he joined (first as as a corporal) on 15 August 1914 aged 25 years and 8 months. He embarked from Melbourne on 21 October 1914 on the HMAT Orvieto. Kelsey was wounded at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He also suffered from pyrexia and dysentery in August 1915. He was never 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 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; '384 ER/SGT. P.E. KELSEY. 5/BN. A.I.F.'.

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