Summary

Medal commemorating the Death of the First British Officer during World War I, Staff Paymaster Joseph T. Gedge, of the H.M.S. Amphion. He was killed in action on 6 August 1914.

To honor Staff Paymaster Joseph T. Gedge, the Royal Navy inaugurated a medal in his memory that was awarded annually to an accountant officer (rank of Lieutenant) who had passed his examinations with the highest marks.

Obverse Description

Text; 'TO COMMEMORATE THE LOSS OF THE FIRST BRITISH OFFICER BY LAND OR SEA IN THE GREAT WAR STAFF-PAYMASTER JOSEPH T. GEDGE R.N. WHO WAS KILLED IN H.M.S. AMPHION 6TH. AUGUST 1914'; the artist's initials two Greek letters phi to right.

Reverse Description

Ship with four funnels and a tall radio mast steaming to left; above, 'FOR PROFESSIONAL MERIT'; below, floating on ocean, a wreath.

Edge Description

Edge is stamped, 'SPECIMEN GILT'.

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