War Medal 1939-1945
2023.15.2.1
Obverse of 1939-45 War Medal
Name/Title
War Medal 1939-1945Entry/Object ID
2023.15.1.1Description
The obverse shows the crowned effigy of King George VI, facing left and signed "PM", the initials of designer Percy Metcalfe, below the truncated neck of the effigy. Around the perimeter is the legend "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP:" The reverse shows a lion standing wanton on the body of a double-headed dragon. The dragon's heads are those of an eagle and a dragon, to signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies during the Second World War. At the top, just to the right of centre are the years "1939" and "1945" in two lines. The initials "ECRP" of designer Edward Carter Preston are near the rim at the nine o'clock position. Preston also designed the bronze memorial plaque which was presented to the next-of-kin of British servicemen and women who fell during the First World War. The rim is impressed with the recipient's unit number, initials and surname in block capitals. The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a 6½ millimetres wide red band, a 6½ millimetres wide blue band and a 2 millimetres wide white band, repeated in reverse order and separated by a 2 millimetres wide red band. The colours are those of the British Union Jack. All ribbons for the British issued medals of the Second World War, with the exception of the Arctic Star, were devised by King George VI.Use
This War Medal 1939-1945 was awarded to SX35615 Lindsay Reginald WILLSMORE for service during World War Two.Category
Medal, War Memorabilia, Personal Effects