WWI Death Plaque (Death Penny) awarded in memory of Wilfred Owens"

1918

PLAQUE TEXT

Wilfred Owens

He died for freedom and honour

......................................................

Measurement: 4 3/4" (12 cm) radius.

******************

From: heroesofhull.co.uk

The first a family would know of the death of a loved one was the arrival of a telegram from the War Office. This would be followed by the WW1 Death Plaque and any medals the deceased would have earned by serving his country.

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.

The selected design was a 12-centimetre disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporated the following;

·an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns,

·an imperial lion,

·two dolphins representing Britain's sea power,

·the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion,

·a rectangular tablet where the deceased individual's name was cast into the plaque. No rank was given as it was intended to show equality in their sacrifice,

·the words, 'He died for freedom and honour'.

The memorial plaque would be accompanied with by a Memorial Scroll, a letter from Buckingham Palace and a often letter from the deceased's commanding officer. They would not usually arrive as a single package, but as a series of separate mailings.

Author: Anon

WWI Death Plaque (Death Penny) awarded in memory of Wilfred Owens"

Tags