British War Medal 1914-18-20 BWM

The British War Medal 1914-18: The allied service medal for WW1. Awarded for sevice as follows: Navy: For 28 days mobilised service or to those who lost their lives in active operations before completing that period, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Army: Entry into a theatre of war on duty, or who left places of residence and rendered approved overseas service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November, 1918. Air Force: Entry into a theatre of war on duty, or who left places of residence and rendered approved overseas service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Mercantile Marine: At least six months service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.

Those eligible also included members of women’s organisations; persons on the staffs of military hospitals and members of recognised organisations who handled sick and wounded; and members of other duly recognised or other authorised organisations as specified in medal regulations. The qualification period of service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 was later extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919 and 1920.

The medal is nickel plated with the effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse has an image of St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge medal.

The ribbon has a wide central moored (watered) stripe of orange, flanked by two narrow white stripes, which are in turn flanked by two black pin-stripes, further flanked by two outer stripes of blue. The colours have no particular significance.