WWI 1914 -1915 Star awarded to Able seaman Frederick William Woodland
Date1914-1918
Object number00034333
NameMedal
MediumCopper alloy, silk
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 90 x 110 x 15 mm
Overall: 167 x 45 mm, 2 mm, 0.04 kg
Overall: 167 x 45 mm, 2 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Annie H Goldie
DescriptionA 1914 -1915 Star WWI awarded posthumously to Frederick William Woodland who died when the RAN submarine AE1 went missing in September 1914.
The 1914 - 1915 Star was awarded in 1918 to British and imperial forces. It features a crowned four-pointed star with crossed swords and a wreath of oak leaves, having the royal cypher at the foot and a central scroll inscribed 1914-15.
On the reverse is inscribed "D.N. 7597 F.W. Woodland. A.B."
The ribbon has the red white and blue colours of the Empire, in shaded and watered stripes and an estimated 2.4 million 1914-15 Stars were issued.HistoryThe 1914–15 Star was authorised in 1918 and was awarded for service in specified theatres of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915.
In regard to the Navy, the star was granted to the following:
(a) All officers and men of the R.N., R.M., R.N.A.S., R.N.R., R.N.V.R., R.I.M. and Dominion naval forces, who were mobilized and served (1) at sea, or (2) on shore within the theatres of military operations
(b) Trained pilots and observers and men of the R.N.A.S. employed in flying from naval air stations on overseas patrols
(c) Mercantile marine officers and men serving under special naval engagements
(d) Canteen staffs who have served in a ship of war at sea.
Australasian Theatre— To include all operations in —
(a) German New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago as follows: —
(i) New Britain, from 11 September, 1914, to 21 September1914.
(ii) New Ireland, from 16 September, 1914, to 18 October,1914.
(iii) Kaiser Wilhelm Land, on 16 September, 1914.
(iv) Admiralty Islands, on 21 November, 1914.
(b) Nauru, on 6 November, 1914.
(c) German Samoa, on 29 August, 1914.SignificanceThe submarines AE1 and AE2 have a significant place in RAN history, not only as the first submarines built for the navy but also the role they played in Australia’s first engagements in World War 1. AE1 as part of the Australian Expeditionary Force to New Guinea and AE2 in her heroic mission through the Dardanelles and into the Sea of Marmora.
