British War Medal 1914-1918

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Here we have a Silver British War Medal 1914-1918. This was awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. The round shaped obverse features Sir Bertram Mackennal's bareheaded effigy of King George V facing left, with the legend "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" (George V, King of all the British Isles and Emperor of India). The reverse shows Saint George naked on horseback and armed with a short sword, an allegory of the physical and mental strength which achieved victory over Prussianism. The horse tramples on the Prussian eagle shield and the emblems of death, a skull and cross-bones. In the background are ocean waves and just off-center near the right upper rim is the risen sun of Victory. The years "1914" and "1918" appear on the perimeter in the left and right fields respectively. The rim displays the Service Number Rank, Name and Unit. To the top is a rigid ribbon attachment that holds approximately 8 ½ inches of orange, white black and blue silk ribbon. It measures 1 7/16 inches in diameter. A nicely patinaed one!