Summary

British War Medal 1914-1920 awarded to Pte. George Walter Connell, service number 1924, 5th Battalion, A.I.F.

Private Connell was born in Daylesford, Victoria and was a labourer before he joined on 8 January 1915, aged 18 years.
He embarked in July 1915 and was wounded in action at Gallipoli on 20 November 1915. He rejoined his unit and suffered a gunshot wound to head on 29 November 1915. Private Connell returned to Australia and was discharged in August 1916. In1967 he was living at 3 Vail St, Prahran.

This medal is part of group of three medals awarded to Private Connell. The British Medal is on the left, the Victory Medal is in the centre and the 1914-1915 Star is at the right.

"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; '1924 PTE G CONNELL 5 BN. A.I.F.'.

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