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Description: | The medal is inscribed: "Thomas Ryan, He Died For Freedom and Honour". The design, by Edward Carter Preston, comprises the figure of Britannia, classically robed and helmeted, standing facing right, holding a modest laurel wreath crown in her extended left hand and supporting a trident by her right side with her right arm and hand. In the foreground a male lion stands facing right. Above the lion's head was a blank rectangular panel in which the name of the deceased would be inserted. To the right of Britannia's head and by the side of her right arm is a small dolphin, a reference to British sea-power. At the lower right edge is a branch of oakleaves and acorns. The standard text is arranged around the edge of the piece: "HE+DIED+FOR+FREEDOM+ +AND+HONOUR". Within the exergue, in symbolic confrontation, a lion pounces on an eagle: a reference to the desired destruction of the Central Powers. On the mass-produced plaques made available for distribution, E Carter Preston's initials were embossed above the lion's right forepaw and a number (possibly an operative's or Ministry of Munitions factory number) was impressed by the animal's right rear paw. Production of the plaques began in December 1918. It was originally thought that about 800,000 plaques would be produced; later estimates have put the total figure at some 1,150,000 specimens. The plaques issued commemorated those men and women who died between 4th August 1914 and 10th January 1920, for Home Establishments, Western Europe and the Dominions. The final date for other theatres of war (including Russia) or for those who died subsequently from attributable causes was 30th April 1920. The plaques were dispatched under separate cover in stiff card wrapping enclosed within white envelopes bearing the Royal Arms. (Source: www.iwm.org.uk) The reverse of the plaque is scored with criss-crossed lines to allow the plaque to be fixed.
Bronze plaque commemorating the death of Rifleman Thomas Ryan in the First World War. With original envelopes and card folder. | License: | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/uk/ | Publisher: | Walsall Museums | Rights holder: | Walsall Museums | Subjects: | Death Army Memorials Military Medal First World War (1914-1918) | Temporal: | 1918 - 1920 | Source: | Black Country History | Identifier: | http://www.blackcountryhistory.org/colle... | Go to resource |
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