British War Medal 1914–1918 – Bronze Labour Corps Issue
The British War Medal 1914–1918 – Bronze Labour Corps Issue is a full-size reproduction of the distinctive bronze version of this First World War campaign medal.
The British War Medal was awarded to members of the British and Imperial forces who completed the required qualifying service during the First World War. Although the Armistice was signed in 1918, eligibility was extended to cover certain post-war operations and clearance duties continuing into 1920.
More than six million British War Medals were produced in silver. Approximately 110,000 were struck in bronze for personnel serving with various Labour Corps raised across the British Empire. Original bronze medals are particularly associated with Chinese, Maltese, Indian and African labour personnel whose essential work included transporting supplies, maintaining communications, unloading ships and trains, constructing facilities and clearing battlefields.
The bronze medal represented the same campaign award as the silver version but was produced in a different metal for these designated labour units.
The obverse carries the left-facing portrait of King George V. The reverse depicts St George on horseback trampling a shield and the symbols of death, with the dates 1914 and 1918. It is worn from the distinctive orange, white, black and blue British War Medal ribbon.
Key features:
- Full-size reproduction of the bronze British War Medal
- Represents the issue associated with Imperial Labour Corps personnel
- Bronze finish with the traditional British War Medal design
- Supplied with the correct campaign medal ribbon
- Suitable for replacement medal groups, professional mounting or display
- Particularly relevant to Chinese, Maltese, Indian and African Labour Corps history