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Memorial plaque for Frederick William Woodland

Designer Edward Carter Preston (British, 1885 - 1965)

Date1919

Object number00034336

NameMedallion

MediumBronze

DimensionsOverall: 120 x 120 x 3 x 120 mm, 0.34 kg

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Annie H Goldie

Terms

DescriptionWorld War I commemorative plaque honouring Frederick William Woodland who was killed aboard the submarine AE1 which disappeared with all hands off New Guinea on 14 September 1914. Also known as a 'Dead Man's Penny', bronze memorial plaques were issued to the immediate next-of-kin of British and Empire service personnel who died during or as a result of wounds received during World War I. The medallion features an image of Britannia holding a laurel wreath, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. No rank was shown next to the solider's name as it was intended to show equality in their sacrifice. HistoryThe Memorial Plaque, or 'Dead Man's Penny' as it became known, was issued after WW1 to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war. It was accompanied by a letter from King George V, stating ‘I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War’. This 'Dead Man's Penny' was issued to the relatives of Frederick William Woodland who died when the submarine AE1 disappeared with all hands off New Guinea on 14 September 1914. It had been on patrol off Rabaul with HMAS PARRAMATTA and its disappearence was Australia's first major loss of World War I. SignificanceFrederick William Woodland served in the Royal Australian Navy and died when the submarine AE1 disappeared with all hands off New Guinea on 14 September 1914.