Awarded to Michael John Scanlan RN (1877-1968).Obverse: Winged Victory standing (front), a palm branch in her right hand, her left arm outstretched. Reverse: Within a laurel garland, Inscription: 'THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION 1914-1919'. Inscribed on edge: '171608 M.J. SCANLAN A.B. RN'. Fitted with a ring and watered silk ribbon of rainbow hues. 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.