Summary

1914-1915 Star medal awarded to Matron Jessie McHardie White, AANS, MID, RRC, MBE, for service in World War I.

Matron White joined on 20 October 1914 and became Principal Matron in the Australian Army Nursing Service. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross in 1916 and is mentioned in dispatches in 1916 and again in 1918. To be mentioned in dispatches occured when the serviceman or woman was named by a superior in official documentation that was sent to high command. It was a way to recognize the heroic and honorable way in which they served their country whilst fighting the enemy. White was also awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1918. In 1920 she received the Greece Medal for Military Merit and the Serbia Order of St Sava.

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; 'MATRON. J. McH. WHITE A.N.S. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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