Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953, awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel James Frederick Plunkett

Silver coronation medal designed by Cecil Thomas, with a portrait of Queen Elzabeth II on the obverse and a royal cypher surmounted by a crown and surrounded by the inscription, 'Queen Elizabeth II Crowned 2nd June 1953', on the reverse. The medal is suspended from a dark red ribbon with two vertical blue stripes and white edges.

James Frederick Plunkett served on the Western Front throughout World War One (1914-1918). His courage, leadership and devotion to duty enabled him to rise from regimental sergeant major to lieutenant-colonel and to become one of the most highly decorated servicemen of the war, receiving the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross.

The 1953 Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and awarded to selected individuals throughout Britain and the Commonwealth. Recipients included members of the armed forces, police, fire brigade, various government ministers and public servants and officials. A total of 129,051 medals were awarded.

From a medal group awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel James Frederick Plunkett, Royal Irish Regiment and Royal Dublin Fusiliers.