Summary

Commemorative medal for the British Forces sent to Belgium and France in August 1914. The medal bears an extract of King George V's message to British soldiers embarking for active duty.

It was reported in The Register newspaper in Adelaide on 20 August that just as 'the troops were departing from British soil they received telegrams from the King. His Majesty's message was read to each regiment before embarkation.' The article makes no mention of medals being presented to soldiers from Australia going to fight on behalf of Great Britain.

Obverse Description

Profile head of King George V facing left, below in small letters, REGISTERED.A round gold medal (23 mm dia) with loop at top. The obverse has a bare head of King George V facing left, below in small letters, REGISTERED.

Reverse Description

The text of the King's message on the occasion of the departure of the troops for Europe: MESSAGE FROM THE KING BUCKINGHAM PALACE You are leaving home to fight for the safety and honour of my Empire. Belgium whose country .....from my thoughts. I pray God to bless you and guard you and bring you back victorious. August 9th 1914. GEORGE R.I.

Edge Description

Plain

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately, Public Life & Institutions

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976

  • Date Issued

    1914 AD

  • Issued By

    England, Great Britain, 1914

  • Person Depicted

    HM King George V

  • Inscriptions

    MESSAGE FROM THE KING BUCKINGHAM PALACE You are leaving home to fight for the safety and honour of my Empire. Belgium whose country .....from my thoughts. I pray God to bless you and guard you and bring you back victorious. August 9th 1914. GEORGE R.I.

  • Material

    gold

  • Axis

    12

  • Classification

    Medals, Commemorative, Royalty

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Overall Dimensions

    23 mm (Outside Diameter)

  • Shape

    Round with loop

  • References

    The words on the medal, quoted from King George V, were also published in Australian newspapers such as Let Duly be Your Watchword (1914, August 19). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved December 28, 2018, from [Link 1] See also Message from the King. (1914, August 20). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 8. Retrieved December 28, 2018, from [Link 2]

  • Keywords

    Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918