World War 1 Triple Set

The 1914–15 Star was authorised in 1918 and was awarded for service in specified theatres of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. A recipient of the 1914 Star could not also be awarded the 1914–15 Star. For Australians and New Zealanders, this is the star most commonly awarded to participants in the ill-fated Gallipoli (Dardanelles) campaign.

The four pointed star is bright bronze, ensigned with a crown. The obverse has crossed gladius (a Latin word for sword), overlaid with an oak wreath that is ensigned with the cypher of King George V. A scroll bearing the legend 1914-15 is centrally placed across the crossed blades. The ribbon has the red white and blue colours of the Empire, in shaded and watered stripes. The same ribbon is used for both the 1914 Star and the 1914–15 Star.

The British War Medal 1914-18: The allied service medal for WW1. Awarded for sevice as follows: Navy: For 28 days mobilised service or to those who lost their lives in active operations before completing that period, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Army: Entry into a theatre of war on duty, or who left places of residence and rendered approved overseas service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November, 1918. Air Force: Entry into a theatre of war on duty, or who left places of residence and rendered approved overseas service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Mercantile Marine: At least six months service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.

Those eligible also included members of women's organisations; persons on the staffs of military hospitals and members of recognised organisations who handled sick and wounded; and members of other duly recognised or other authorised organisations as specified in medal regulations. The qualification period of service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 was later extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919 and 1920.

The Victory Medal was authorised in 1919 to commemorate the victory of the Allied Forces over the Central Powers. Each of the Allied nations issued a ‘Victory Medal’ to their own nationals. Each nation used the standard ribbon but used different designs on the medal to reflect national identity and custom. A number had the figure of Victory on the obverse. Australians were awarded the medal issued by Great Britain. The medal was awarded to prescribed classes of persons who entered a theatre of war on duty between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.

The medal is bronze with a winged figure of Victory on the obverse. The reverse has the words ‘THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION’ surrounded by a laurel wreath. The ribbon has a ‘two rainbow’ design, with the violet from each rainbow on the outside edges moving through to a central red stripe where both rainbows meet.