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British War Medal WWI : Private Charles Frederick Taylor RAN Bridging Train
British War Medal WWI : Private Charles Frederick Taylor RAN Bridging Train

British War Medal WWI : Private Charles Frederick Taylor RAN Bridging Train

Date1914-1918
Object number00050454
NameMedal
MediumBronze, fabric
DimensionsOverall: 116 x 35 mm
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionWorld War British War 1914-1920 medal awarded to Charles Frederick Taylor for service in the Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train (RANBT) and ANZAC Provost Corps. The Medal is cupro-nickel with the effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse has an image of St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge medal. The British War Medal 1914-20 was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given. The qualification period was later extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919 and 1920. This medal is part of a World War I trio to Charles Frederick Taylor for service in Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train (RANBT) and ANZAC Provost Corps; Taylor was deployed with the RANBT to Gallipoli and Suvla Bay, and to the Egyptian Theatre with the Provost Corps. HistoryThe Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train (RANBT) was an Australian military unit of World War I, composed of Royal Australian Naval Reservists who served in the Gallipoli Campaign. Despite often serving in close proximity with ANZAC Forces, the RANBT seldom operated in conjunction with them, usually supporting the British IX Corps. The Train was the most decorated RAN Unit of World War I, with more than 20 decorations awarded to its sailors for their work in Gallipoli and Palestine. During its five months of existence, the Train made two amphibious landings (Gallipoli and El Arish,) Lt Commander Bracegirdle was Mentioned in Dispatches three times and awarded the Distinguished Service Order; 16 others were also Mentioned in Dispatches; 25 sailors lost their lives.