Ww1 1914-1918 British War Medal Royal Berkshire Regt. Kia Somme May 25,1918 Low#

LOW 4 DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER: 9218. Before WW1, British army regiments limited their numbers to four digits (up to 9999). Regular British army soldiers serving in 1914 had a 4-digit number. Units started their numbering from 1 when formed in 1908, meaning 4-digit numbers were very common in these units.

Killed in action May 25,1918. On the Western Front in the Somme sector following the intense battles of Arras 1917-18. Burial/Commemoration: Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. WEIGHT: 33.15 g 1.169 oz. DIAMETER OF PLANCHET: 36 mm.

The obverse shows Sir Bertram Mackennal's bareheaded effigy of King George V facing left. Lettering: GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP. Translation: George V, King of all the British Isles and Emperor of India.

The reverse, designed by William McMillan, shows Saint George naked on horseback and armed with a short sword, an allegory of the physical and mental strength which achieved victory over Prussianism. The horse tramples on the Prussian eagle shield and the emblems of death, a skull and cross-bones. In the background are ocean waves and just off-centre near the right upper rim is the risen sun of Victory. THIS IS NOT A REPRODUCTION.

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