WWI medallion for the dead

[Lones]

Hi Folks

I was extermerly lucky on the weekend and was given a Medallion that was given to the family when my Great Uncle William Henry Smith died at sea on his way to the war.  I have emailed the war museum in Canberra to try to get more information on the medallion and my Great Uncle.  But being the impatient person I am, I though I would see if there are any rootschatters who know anything about these medallions and how/when etc they were presented.  Did they just mail them out etc.

Any info would be really appreciated

I have attached a scan of the medallion, it is about 5 inches in diameter.  It is really something, I have no photos or anything else much on this particular Uncle and would love any info at all.

Cheers

Lones

Sorry, that was a bit big, I have made it smaller

[harribobs]

they are known as Death plaques ( or death pennies) they were sent out to the soldiers next of kin after the war accompanied by a certificate

[Lones]

Thanks Harribobs

Were all the certificates worded the same do you know?  I have saved the one you posted in case.  My Uncle was Australian, did all the countries use the same certificate?  If my family got one of those it has long since gone.  I was extremely lucky to get the medallion.

Thanks for your help

Lones

[jax]

Hi Lones

these often come up on ebay for sale 

I have often searched for one that I know one of my ancestors would have received (needle in a haystack - but I couldn't help it ) it must be a Genealogists Trait - never to give up searching.

Anyway, to cut a long story short - over time I came in contact with a long lost 2nd cousin who I didn't know existed and low and behold he had the medallion/plague and sent me a photo of himself holding it..  (I have to admit I would have loved for it to be in my hands) - but was still happy that it still existed and was looked after..

Congratulations - you have something precious 

[harribobs]

Thanks Harribobs

Were all the certificates worded the same do you know?  I have saved the one you posted in case.  My Uncle was Australian, did all the countries use the same certificate?  If my family got one of those it has long since gone.  I was extremely lucky to get the medallion.

Thanks for your help

Lones

hi

yes the certificate would be the same for all commonwealth countries

as jax says these come up for sale quite regularly, unfortunately as they are only named ( rather than having service numbers as well) so it isn't always possible to tie them down to individual soldiers if they have a common name

[aghadowey]

Medallion also known as (at least here in Ireland) as dead man's penny. They were posted out to next of kin and I have seen a website which goes into details of where minted, dates minted, etc. which I will have to look up later.
For Australian WWI records are on-line- see National Archives of Australia website- in most cases you can view scanned documents and towards the end of the file it often says when and to whom medallion was sent.

[Lones]

Thank you Guys very much

I do appreciate that I have been honoured with something special.  I almost cried when my Aunt gave it into my keeping.  I cannot understand anyone putting them on Ebay???

I have sent for his photo and records from the government, I have his enlistment papers that have a hand written message to say he died at sea.  I hope to find out what kind of illness he died from. 

Hobbibobs I will keep a copy of the certificate you posted, thank you, and I am very fortunate this one stayed in the family then as William Henry Smith is a very common name, but I know it was definately his.

Aghadowey, I will check out that website to see if I can get a copy of that regarding this one.

Jax, you never know one day you might be honoured as the protector of your medallion too, my aunt has two children, but neither of them was interested and she wanted someone to have it who would really appreciate and take care of it for what it is, not an ebay item.  So fingers crossed, it could end up yours yet.

Thanks again guys, I cannot wait until I get a reply from the war record people, but I appreciate you all taking the time to share your knowledge with me

Cheers

Lones

[jax]

Its been a pleasure

(and yes my fingers, legs, arms and eyes are all crossed  )

jax

[Lones]

Hi Jax

You must find it very hard to do everyday things, going around with all that crossed

I understand though, best of luck to you, I hope you end up lucky like me.  I still can't quite believe it, I keep pinching myself.  I am going to frame it up nicely and put it on my wall.

My Aunt also gave my Mum the brooch she was given when my father was in WWII.  It was given to Australian women and had a small metal strip on the bottom with a star on it.  The women where given them when their men were at war, a star for each son, brother etc.  My Aunts only had one star as she only had one brother in the army.  My Dad wasn't married then so she was his next of kin.  Mum was very pleased and I had my eye on it, but I think my younger sister will want that and I can't have everything, so I scanned it and have a lovely picture to represent it now.  Perhaps your relative will let you do that with your medallion, they do come up quite nicley.

Good luck with your medallion, I hope you get lucky

Lones