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Home » War and Rebellion » First World War (1914-18) » Medals

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  • These commemorative medals were presented to the next-of-kin of the men and women who died in action in the Great War (1914-18). The medal was commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny'. The medal was made of brass and measured approximately four and a half inches in diameter. Most of the medals were manufactured at Woolwich arsenal (London). In addition to this plaque or medal, families of the bereaved would also have received an illuminated scroll in full colour and a printed letter from Buckingham Palace bearing the signature of the King. The plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965), a medallist/sculptor of Liverpool, who won a national competition to design the memorial plaque. This medal commemorates Thomas Owen.
A 'Dead Man's Penny' - commemorative medal presented to families of soldiers who died during the First World War
  • These commemorative medals were presented to the next-of-kin of the men and women who died in action in the Great War (1914-18). The medal was commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny'. The medal was made of brass and measured approximately four and a half inches in diameter. Most of the medals were manufactured at Woolwich arsenal (London). In addition to this plaque or medal, families of the bereaved would also have received an illuminated scroll in full colour and a printed letter from Buckingham Palace bearing the signature of the King. The plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965), a medallist/sculptor of Liverpool, who won a national competition to design the memorial plaque. This medal commemorates Ivor Monroe Griffiths.
A 'Dead Man's Penny' - commemorative medal presented to families of soldiers who died during the First World War
  • The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest British award for gallantry 'in the face of the enemy'. This example (on the left), awarded to Seaman William Williams RNR during the Great War, was known at the time as a 'mystery VC' because few details were released. 'Wil VC', from Amlwch, was Anglesey's most-decorated serviceman of the First World War. He served under the legendary commander Gordon Campbell in 'Q' ships - disguised armed tramp steamers which acted as bait for enemy submarines. In this highly dangerous service, Williams was decorated three times - twice with the Distinguished Service Medal and once with the VC for his contribution to a successful action sinking U. C. 29 on 7 June 1917. He was chosen by his crewmates to receive a VC which was awarded collectively to the ship's company.
Victoria Cross, 1917
  • Company Sergeant Major John (Jack) Henry Williams, 10th Battalion South Wales Borderers VC DCM MM, from Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, was the most decorated Welsh First World War soldier. He was wounded in the right arm and, as a result, this letter to his Company Commander, Captain Cobb, was written with his left hand. Williams was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Villers Outreaux on 7 October 1918. Transcript: 'Block 2 Ward M Whitecross Hospital Warrington 12/1/18 Dear Sir Just a few lines in answer to your letter which I received today many thanks for your congratulations, I have received about a 100 from all parts, but to have it from such a soldier as yourself seems to add to the honour. I am delighted to see you are back with the Batt, no one missed you more than myself when you was away, your name was mentioned many times by the men that fought with you in worse conditions than we had in the big push, but its over at last and I long for the day when I have the pleasure of seeing you again, this side of the pond. I am pleased to say I am getting about but my arm is still in sticks and I don't suppose it will be of much use again, having it so near the end worried me more than the wounds. I had a few days leave xmas and had a time of my life, I am sending you a piece of the local paper you can see by it what they are doing for me at home. Please excuse the scribbling I hope to be able to use the right hand shortly, trusting these few lines will find you in the best of health. From yours sincerely J Williams PS Please drop a line when you have a chance.
A letter written with his left hand by Company Sergeant Major John Henry Williams, 12 January 1919 (incorrectly dated 1918), to his Company Commander [page 1 of 2]
  • John (Jack) Henry Williams was born at Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, in 1886. He worked as a colliery blacksmith and enlisted in the 10th South Wales Borderers in November 1914. This photograph is signed and dated 12 February 1924. Williams' citation for the award of the Victoria Cross states 'For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty on the night of the 7th-8th October, 1918, during the attack on Villers Outreaux, when, observing that his company was suffering heavy casualties from an enemy machine gun, he ordered a Lewis gun to engage it, and went forward under heavy fire to the flank of the enemy post, which he rushed single-handed, capturing fifteen of the enemy. These prisoners, realising that Williams was alone turned on him and one of them gripped his rifle. He succeeded in breaking away and bayoneting five enemy, whereupon the remainder again surrendered. By this gallant action and total disregard of personal danger he was the means of enabling not only his own company but also those on the flanks to advance'.
Company Sergeant Major John Henry Williams, the most decorated Welsh First World War soldier, 12 February 1924
  • John (Jack) Henry Williams VC DCM MM was awarded his VC in 1918 and John Williams VC was one of the defenders at Rorke's Drift in 1879.
Former Company Sergeant Major Jack Williams and former Private John Williams outside the Guard Room, Brecon Barracks at the Comrades' Reunion, 15 May 1932