WW1 Campaign Medals

 

The three most common campaign medals of the Great War (as opposed to gallantry medals) are the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, and these are illustrated above and below. A fourth medal, the 1914 Star, was very similar to the 1914-15 Star, but is rarer and is not illustrated here.

Although these medals were issued to officers and men from the Royal Navy, Army, and the Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force, the descriptions are based on service with the Army.

The Territorial Force War Medal and the Merchantile Marine Medal were also campaign medals, but far fewer were issued, and are not covered in this article.

To find out what medals a soldier had been awarded (perhaps posthumously), the Medal Index Cards at the PRO should be consulted. See separate page for details.

 Not shown, but similar to the 1914-15 Star below, but with a different inscription
 1914 Star.
Popularly known as the Mons Star, this was given to personnel (including nurses) who had served in France and Belgium on the establishment of a unit between 5 Aug 1914 and midnight 22/23 Nov 1914. A clasp could be issued with the 1914 Star, but this was rather rare. The clasp was awarded to those who came under fire during the period 4 Aug to 22 Nov 1914, and recipients were called The Old Contemptibles. A small silver rose came with the clasp, and this was worn on the narrow ribbon strip when the medal and accompanying clasp were not being worn. Only 378,000 1914 stars were awarded, and even fewer clasps. This medal should always be accompanied by the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
 1914-15 Star

1914-1915 Star.
This was given to personnel who had served in any theatre of war (not India) between 5 Aug 1914 and 31 Dec 1915, but who had not received the 1914 Star. Approximately 2,366,000 were awarded. This medal should always be accompanied by the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Click on the medal to see an enlargement of the front (obverse) and back (reverse)
 British War Medal

British War Medal.
The BWM was issued to those who had "entered a theatre of war on duty, or who left places of residence and rendered approved service overseas" (including India) between 5 Aug 1914 and 11 Nov 1918. Approximately 6,500,000 were awarded. Although normally found with the Victory Medal, it could be issued alone.

Click on the medal to see an enlargement of the front (obverse) and back (reverse)
 Victory Medal

Victory Medal.
Nearly the same qualifications as for the British War Medal, but slight differences in the 'small print'. Since it was awarded to personnel "who actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war", and since India was not regarded as a theatre of war, service in India did not count. Approximately 5,725,000 were awarded. This medal should always be accompanied by at least the British War Medal.

Click on the medal to see an enlargement of the front (obverse) and back (reverse)

The Mercantile Marine War Medal and the Territorial Force War Medal were also campaign medals, but far fewer were issued, and are not covered in this article.

To find out which medals a soldier was awarded (perhaps after his death), the Medal Index Cards at the PRO should be consulted, and I can do this for you if you wish. See separate page for details of these MICs.

 

© Photographs of original medals were taken by Forrest Anderson, and cannot be reproduced on a website without prior permission