Great Britain - Mercantile Marine War Medal - W.H. Creese

Allied Forces > Commonwealth > Awards & Medals >

Great Britain, Imperial War – Mercantile Marine War Medal named to a W.H. Creese. Instituted in 1919, the Mercantile Marine War Medal was awarded to those who successfully completed one or more voyages through a danger zone during the war, or had at least six months service at sea between August 4, 1914, and November 11, 1918. All recipients also received the British War Medal. It is constructed out of a die stamped bronze base that has been bronze plated. The round shaped obverse features the left facing effigy of King George V, with a small “BH” (designer Sir Bertram Mackennal) to the bottom of his neck, surrounded by “Georgivs V Britt: Omn: Rex Et Ind: Imp:”. The reverse displays a merchant steamship plowing through heavy waves with a sinking submarine and sailing ship in the background, along with a small “HS” (designer Harold Stabler), all above “For War Service Mercantile Marine 1914-1918”, and all surrounded by a laurel leaf wreath. To the top is a single toe claw mount, that holds a straight non-swiveling suspender that holds 3 inches of green, red and white ribbon. The rim is officially impressed: “W. H. CREESE”.