Description:
English bronze medal, c.1918-1920.
Next of kin plaque produced from 1918 to 1920 for the families of those who fought and died in World War I. The decision was made to produce such medals in 1916, in the late stages of the Battle of the Somme. An advert was placed in The Times that there would be a competition to find the best design. This was won by Edward Carter Preston and production of the medals began in December 1918. The obverse depicts Britannia, helmeted and classically robed, facing right. In her right hand she holds a modest laurel wreath and a trident rests in the crook of her right arm. The box to her right bears the name of the soldier for whom the medal was cast, 'Henry Harold Burford'. No rank was included and this was intended to emphasise the equality of sacrifice. To the fore is a lion and an oak branch. The dolphins pictured at either side represent Britain's naval power. At the base of the coin a lion wrestles with an eagle, the symbol used by the Central Powers. The inscription reads 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR'. Above the lion's front paw are the initials of the designer and to the side of its back left paw is the number '16' possibly an Operative's or Ministry of Munitions number. The reverse is blank.
Private Henry Harold Burford died at Passchendaele in 1917 while delivering rations to the front line.