The obverse shows Sir Bertram Mackennal's bareheaded effigy of King George V facing left, with the legend "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:"
The reverse, designed by William McMillan, 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-centre 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 is impressed with the recipient's name rank and service number in block capitals.
The medal is sans ribbon.
Use
Original British War Medal 1914-1920, awarded to 1892 Percival John CARROLL, who served in the 43rd Battalion AIF during World War 1.