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The WW1 Memorial Plaque and Scroll |
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| Memorial Plaque 1st day KIA Anzac Cove Gallipoli. James Muncaster Lovatt, Sergeant C Company 9th Battalion 1st AIF. Born Didsbury Manchester UK in 1881. Emigrated to Australia in 1899. Enlisted 20th August 1914. Departed Brisbane on 24th September aboard HMAT Omrah. |
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It was decided during World War One that all next of kin of service personnel who lost their lives as a result of the war would be presented with a memorial plaque and commemorative scroll from the King and country. The plaques were cast in bronze and were approximately five inches (125 mm) in diameter. On the plaque itself no rank was recorded as the intention was to show equality in their sacrifice. (Photograph by Ken Davey) The troops referred to them as "The Dead Man's Penny". (left, approx actual size). The Scroll (below) was sent at the same time. |
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Note. . .a penny was the smallest whole unit of currency in the British Imperial system. In Australia it was replaced by the cent in 1966. There were 12 pennies (pence) in 1 shilling. Diggers were paid 6 shillings (bob) a day. Ten shillings made what we now call a dollar. |
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Shown here is the front and back
of a penny made during the reign of King George V beside a current 50 cent
piece to show size.
The photo shows the penny about actual size. |
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Notification of Death by Telegram; In the case of death the next of kin was notified by an urgent (pink) telegram. A telegram was a telegraphic message sent from one Post Office to another and then written or typed onto a flimsy sheet of paper, enclosed in an envelope and delivered by a boy on a bicycle. The sight of the Telegram Boy approaching was feared and hated by anyone with a relative on active service. |
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This letter was sent with the Memorial Plaque. |
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This scroll was part of the Memorial pack. |
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A "personal" letter from the King also accompanied the plaque. |
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A
WW1 Trio medal group - 3043 Pte George Patrick DAVIS 11 Bn AIF -
killed in action (KIA) Enlisted: 28 May 1915 and KIA 3 Sep 1916. The
group is accompanied by the issued bronze next-of-kin Memorial Plaque. In addition a WW1 medal pair for his brother - 6038 Pte Septimus Augustus DAVIS also killed in action (KIA). Enlisted: 28 Mar 1916 and KIA 10 Apr 1917. This medal pair also has the bronze next-of-kin Memorial Plaque. |
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Bronze; Miniature
bronze Next of Kin plaque. The
miniature is an exact replica of the full sized plaque, with an image of
Britannia and a lion together with the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND
HONOUR'. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston
appear above the lion's right forepaw.
The name of the dead soldier 'ROGER FORREST HUGHES' appears within a raised rectangle, but is engraved, rather than cast in raised letters as on the full sized items. Miniature Next of Kin plaques were not produced or issued officially, but had to be purchased privately. |
| It is possible that this plaque was one of those manufactured in the 1920s by Messers Wright & Sons, of Edgeware, Middlesex, at a cost of 13s 6d each, although other makers are thought to have existed. AWM RELAWM14872 | |
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Unofficial post WW1 silver coloured "Lest We Forget" medallion. |
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Note the recessed flat space on the reverse to allow a name to be inscribed. Donor: Steve Cheesman |
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World War II (WW2) Commemorative Scroll |
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