WWI medals belonging to Merchant Mariner J.Hume
Datec 1914
Object number00030665
NameMedals
MediumSilver, brass, copper, ribbon, thread
DimensionsOverall: 90 x 100 mm, 1 mm, 0.11 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Veronica Fisher
DescriptionA set of three medals awarded to J. Hume for service in WWI.
The medals are fixed on a brass bar comprising a British War Medal, a Mercantile Marine Medal and an Allied Victory Medal for WWI.HistoryThe donor, Ms Fisher, found the medals among her late father's effects.
Her father, George Fisher, had been welfare officer at the Bondi RSL club and in this capacity had attended to the affairs of several deceased members who had no close relatives. Ms Fisher believes that this is how her father came into possession of J. Hume's medals.
The British War was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given to the men and women of the Mercantile Marine who served at least six months at sea between 4th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. Licensed Pilots, Fishermen and crews of Pilotage and Lighthouse Authorities' Vessels, and of Post Office Cable Ships were also eligible.
The Mercantile Marine Medal was awarded to members of the Mercantile Marine who qualified for the British War Medal 1914-20 and served at sea on at least one voyage through a danger zone. The ribbon has a narrow central stripe of white, flanked by green and red stripes. The design represents the starboard, steaming and port lights of a vessel.
The Victory Medal was authorised in 1919 to commemorate the victory of the Allied Forces over the Central Powers. Each of the Allied nations issued a ‘Victory Medal’ to their own nationals. Each nation used the standard ribbon but used different designs on the medal to reflect national identity and custom. A number had the figure of Victory on the obverse. Australians were awarded the medal issued by Great Britain. The Victory Medal was awarded to prescribed classes of persons who entered a theatre of war on duty between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.SignificanceThese medals of Mr J Hume, record a merchant mariner's service during WWII. They are also important because the recipient's name, service number and other information is engraved on them (Australian war medals were stamped or engraved with the name and number of the recipient unlike their British counterparts).
