British War Medal 1914-1918 awarded to Frederick William Woodland
Date1914-1918
Object number00034334
NameMedal
MediumSilver alloy, ribbon
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 90 x 110 x 15 mm
Overall: 160 x 38 mm, 3 mm, 0.04 kg
Overall: 160 x 38 mm, 3 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Annie H Goldie
DescriptionA British War Medal 1914-1918 awarded to Able seaman Frederick William Woodland who served on the submarine AE1.
The front depicts King George V and the reverse shows the dates of WWI and St. George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the central powers (German and Austro-Hungarian Empires), with a skull and cross-bones.
Approximately 6.4 million of these medals were issued, with an additional 110,000 bronze versions to members of the Chinese, Maltese, Indian, and South African Native Labour Corps.
HistoryThe British War Medal was awarded to British and Imperial forces for campaign service in World War I. For naval service it was awarded to those who served for 28 days or to those who lost their lives in active operations before completing that period, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. It was later extended to cover the period 1919-1920 for post-war mine clearing operations. About 6,500,000 were awarded.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.
