First World War Medal Group Issued to Ernest James DAVIES

a. The Order of the British Empire medal was established in 1917 by King George V originally to honour those serving in a non-combative role including the fields of art, science, charities and public service. However, it was amended in 1918 to include those in the military. The ribbon distinguishes between a civil or military award.
b. Authorised in 1918 the 1914-15 Star was awarded for service in all theatres of war outside the U.K. between August 1914 and December 1915. The recipients’ details were imprinted on the reverse. Only those who had already been awarded the 1914 medal were exempt.
c. Awarded to those who served in a theatre of war outside of the United Kingdom during World War 1 between august 1914 and November 1918. The recipient’s number, rank, name and unit were inscribed on the rim.
d. The Victory medal was issued to all who served in a theatre of war during World War 1 and who had already received the 1914 Star or the 1914-15 Star or the British War medal. Their details were inscribed on the rim.
e. The Gallipoli Star medal originally conceived in 1917 for distribution to Australians and New Zealanders was withdrawn before production could begin on the order of King George V due to the British and other Empire soldiers not being offered the same medal. However in 1990 a former Australian Army Warrant Officer and Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Ross Smith, arranged for 1000 medals to be struck at his own expense. 200 of these were presented to surviving Australian and New Zealand soldiers to mark the 75th anniversary of the campaign and the rest were sold to the public. A further 1000 were later struck for sale to collectors.
f. Known simply as the War Medal it was issued to all those serving in the armed forces for at least a month between September 1939 and September 1945. To qualify a member’s service must be bought to an end by death, wounding or other disabilities or by the end of hostilities in 1945.
g. Instituted in 1949 the Australia Service Medal was in recognition for service in the Australian Armed Forces or the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War 2. Originally awarded to those who served overseas, at home, or at sea, for at least 18 months between September 1939 and September 1945 it was later reduced to 30 days full time or 90 days part time.