Online Collection

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Commemorative Medallion 1914-1918, issued to next of kin of Private Edward Green, 6th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Circular, bronze memorial plaque or medallion issued to the relatives of the 1.3 million Commonwealth service personnel killed during World War One (1914-1918).

Commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny', the plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965) who was commissioned after winning a War Office competition. The figure of Britannia holds a trident while a lion, a symbol of Britain's strength, stands beside her. She gestures with an olive branch towards the soldier's name, 'William Edward Green', held in a rectangular panel. The medal is inscribed, 'He Died for Freedom and Honour'. Dolphins on either side of the panel represent Britain's naval power and below the standing lion, another lion is shown pouncing on an eagle, symbolising Britain's victory over Germany.

Private William Edward Green was killed on the Somme on 4 August 1916 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial.

NAM Accession Number

NAM. 2001-06-206-1

Copyright/Ownership

National Army Museum Copyright

Location

National Army Museum, Study Collection

Object URL

https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2001-06-206-1

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