Victory Medal 1914-18

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'. Inscription on edge: '215298 B. RICH., P.O., R.N.' Mounted on a bar with two other medals. Fitted with a ring and watered silk ribbon of rainbow hues.

Petty Officer Bertram Rich RN (1884-1973) was born in Finchley, the son of Edward Rich. He entered the Royal Navy on 31 August 1902 and was promoted to Petty Officer on 1 May 1914. During the early part of his career, he served in protected cruiser 'Amphitrite' on the Hong Kong station from 1902 to 1905 and battleship HMS 'Africa' between 1907-09 when she was part of the Home Fleet. During World War I, from 24 June 1914 to 31 May 1917 he served in destroyer HMS 'Landrail' with the Harwich Force. She was present at the battles of Dogger Bank 1915 and Jutland 1916. He then spent a short period in destroyer HMS 'Flying Fish' based in the Humber and engaged in anti-submarine and anti-mining patrols. He married Nellie Whittard in 1918 in Enfield, Middlesex. He retired in 1924 and by 1939 was living on his naval pension and working for the Post Office as a storeman in the Engineering Department (his father had also worked for the Post Office). His membership of the St John's Ambulence Brigade is also noted at this time. Rich died in Middlesex in 1973.

Object Details

ID: MED1365
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: War medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: McMillan, William
Events: World War I, 1914-1918
Date made: 1919
People: Rich, Bertram
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 36 mm