Awarded to Michael John Scanlan, RN (1877-1968). A uniface star of four points, the upper covered by a crown, with two crossed swords entwined by a short scroll. Inscription: '1914-15'. An oak garland superimposed upon the whole. Inscription: 'G'. with a 'V' within it. Inscription Reverse: '171608 M.J. SCANLAN L.S., R.N.' Fitted with a ring and red, white and blue watered-silk ribbon. Mounted on a bar with two others.

Michael John Scanlan was born in Paddington, London to Irish parents. He entered the Royal Navy as a boy 2nd class in 1893 although he did not come from a maritime background. As an adult rating during the 1890's he served in HMS 'Cordelia' and HMS 'Alexandra', two of the last major warships to be propelled by sail as well as steam. Between September 1903 to November 1904, he served on the Australia Station in Pearl class cruisers 'Katoomba' and 'Wallaroo'. His World War I service was mainly in 'Leviathan'- flagship on the North America and West Indies station. He finally left the RN in 1926. He also worked in the Merchant Service between 1908-1914, 1918-21 and 1927-1938. By 1939 Scanlan was resident in Poplar working as a ship rigger. He married Ethel Maud Marston there in 1936.