Summary

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Pte. Joseph Ferres, service number 36 of the 11th Battalion, A.I.F., for service in World War I.

Private Ferres was born in Malta on 15 December 1884. He was a 29 year old farmer when he joined in Western Australia on 26 August 1914. He embarked on the 2 November 1914 from Fremantle, Western Australia on the ship HMAT Ascanius A11. His next of kin was his sister M. Ferres of New York. Ferres was wounded in action in Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 by a bullet wound to his forehead and thumb. He was hospitalised then rejoined his unit in June 1915. He was readmitted to hospital with influenza then rejoined his unit in July 1915. Ferres was again in hospital in August 1915 with conjunctivitis and was sent to London in September 1915. He suffered from a venereal disease in June 1916 but rejoined his battalion later that month in France. He was wounded in action in July 1916 by a gunshot wound to his head and arm so was hospitalised in England once more. Private Ferres left England in February 1917 and was discharged in July 1917.

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; '36 PTE. J. FERRES. 11 / BN. A.I.F.'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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