Summary

1914-1915 Star medal awarded to Pte. Leslie Tweedie, service number 452, 16th Battalion, A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Private Tweedie was born at Ballarat, Victoria. He was a a hotel clerk when he joined on 23 September 1914, aged 20 years and 11 months. He became a corporal in August 1915, was Staff Sergeant in January 1916, a Warrant Officer by June 1916 before reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in May 1917.

Tweedie served in Gallipoli in April 1915 then in July 1915 was transferred to Brigade Headquarters. Whilst in Gallipoli he was Brigade clerk for the 4th Infantry Brigade, then served in France in 1918 before returning to Australia in October 1918.

Awards include a Meritorious Service Medal 1917 and Military Cross 1919.
In1968 replacement medals were sent to Tweedie: the Military Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal. Medals lost from 1925-26 had been with his mother.

The museum holds three of the original medals: Meritous Service Medal, War Medal and this 1914-1915 Star.

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; '452 PTE. L. TWEEDIE. 16/BN. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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