British War Medal 1914-20, awarded to Lieutenant James Nolan, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Silver campaign medal with a portrait of King George V facing left with the inscription, 'Georgivs V Britt: Omn: Rex Et Ind Imp:', on the obverse and an equestrian figure of St George, trampling a shield bearing the Prussian eagle, on the reverse. Additional designs on the reverse include the years, '1914' and '1918', a skull and crossed bones representing death and a rising sun, representing victory. Orange corded silk ribbon edged with blue and white vertical stripes.

Company Sergeant Major James Nolan was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1918 and was subsequently commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He went on to be awarded the Military Cross and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

The British War Medal was awarded to all members of the British and Imperial military forces who completed 28 days mobilised service during 1914-1918. Although World War One ended in 1918, the qualification period for this medal was extended to cover post-war ordnance clearance and service in Russia during 1919-1920. Over six million of these medals were issued to British and Empire soldiers.

From a medal group associated with Lieutenant James Nolan MC, DCM, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.