Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. Edward Pummeroy, service number 2224, 58th Battalion, A.I.F.

Private Pummeroy was born in Caulfield, Victoria. He was a gardener when he joined on 19 April 1916 aged 39 years and 6 months. Pummeroy embarked from Melbourne on 1 August 1916 on the HMAT Orsova. In September 1917 he joined a unit in France and was missing in action by 26 September 1917. Private Pummeroy was killed on active service and buried in the vicinity of Polygon Wood. He had been batman to Lieutenant Kennedy Smith who was killed by a shell when going into action for a 'stunt'. Pummeroy's father was William John Pummeroy of Rosberry St, Ascot Vale.

"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."

Part of a collection of material donated to Museum Victoria in 1988 by Miss Ida Murphy in memory of her brother William Murphy, who died during World War II, and her uncle Edward Pummeroy.

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; '2224 PTE. E. PUMMEROY . 58 BN. A.I.F.'.

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