British War Medal 1914 - 1920

 

The British War Medal 1914 - 1920 was awarded to all forces of the British Empire and was issued to anyone who had served in uniform or who had been employed in an "authorised" service. The medal was authorised by Army Order 266, which was released in 1919.

The medal was instituted to record the successful completion of World War 1. However it was extended to cover the period 1918 - 1920 for forces involved in the Allied Intervention in the Russian Civil war, as well as mine clearing at sea.

The obverse of the medal shows the head of King George V, with the wording "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:".

The reverse shows a naked horseman carrying gladius. The horse trampling on an eagle shield of the Central Powers and on skull and crossbones. Above all this, is the sun which symbolises victory. The dates 1914 and 1918 are around the outer edge. The medal has the recipients details around the rim, in sans serif capitals.

The ribbon is a broad orange watered band in the centre, bordered with white, black and blue stripes.

The idea of granting clasps for certain battles or theatres of operations was toyed with, but was dropped in 1923 due to the cost.

Unlike the 1914 Star and 1914-15 Star, this medal could be awarded on its own. This is the case for soldiers who served in areas like Burma or India.

Approximately six and half million of these medals were issued to Imperial and British forces, including support arms such as nurses, ambulance units and transport personnel. Those who received Mention in Despatches but did not qualify for the Victory Medal wore the bronze oak leaves emblem on the ribbon.