British War Medal 1914-18

Obverse: Head of King George V (left). Legend: 'GEORGIVS V BRITT : OMN : REX ET IND : IMP:' Reverse: A Knight on horseback (right) a short sword in his right hand, trampling on the German shield, skull and cross-bones. Legend: '1914-18': Engraved on the edge: '178605, J.A.DE CAEN, P.O. R.N.' Fitted with a bar and orange watered silk ribbon edged with blue, black and white stripes.

John Alexander de Caen (1879-1916) was born in St Helier, Jersey joining the Navy in 1897. He was a Petty Officer, 1st Class in the battle cruiser 'HMS Indefatigable' throughout his service in World War I. The ship took part in the initial bombardments of the outer forts protecting the Dardanelles in November 1914. H e died during the battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. 'Indefatigable ' was sunk by shells from 'Von der Tann' which hit her magazines causing devastating loss of life. Only three men survived, out of a crew of 1,019.

Object Details

ID: MED1340
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: War medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Mackennal, Edgar Bertram; McMillan, William
Events: World War I, 1914-1918
Date made: 1919
People: King George V; Caen, John Alexander de
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 36 mm