1914-15 Star

Awarded to Able Seaman Thomas Willis, RN (1876-1914). 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: '160183 T. WILLIS. A.B., R.N.' Fitted with a ring and red, white and blue watered-silk ribbon.

Thomas Willis was born near Chesterfield, Derbyshire and signed up for twelve years naval service on 8 January 1894. He served on the China Station from 1898-1901 during the Boxer Rebellion in HMS 'Dido' and was in HMS 'Mohawk' off the East African coast during the British Campaign in Somaliland of 1902-4. Willis joined the Royal Fleet Reserve in 1906 and re-enrolled in 1910. He was killed in action in HMS 'Aboukir' when she was sunk by 'U9' in the North Sea with HM Ships 'Cressy' and 'Hogue' on 22 September 1914. These three cruisers were obsolete by this time and were manned mainly by reservists.

Object Details

ID: MED1847
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: War medal
Display location: Not on display
Events: World War I, 1914-1918
Date made: circa 1918
People: Willis, Thomas
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 44 mm