NAM.2001-04-7-1

Commemorative Medallion 1914-1918. Circular, bronze memorial plaque or medallion issued to the relatives of the 1.3 million Commonwealth service personnel killed during World War One (1914-1918). Commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny', the plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965) who was commissioned after winning a War Office competition. The figure of Britannia holds a trident while a lion, a symbol of Britain’s strength, stands beside her. She gestures with an olive branch towards the soldier’s name, held in a rectangular panel. The medal is inscribed, ‘He Died for Freedom and Honour’. Dolphins on either side of the panel represent Britain’s naval power and below the standing lion, another lion is shown pouncing on an eagle, symbolising Britain’s victory over Germany. Issued to next of kin of Pte William Henry Ellen, 1st Bn Auckland Regiment, and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. In 1912, aged 18, William left London bound for Wellington, recording his occupation as a farmer. Four years later he embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade on 27 May 1916 destined for England. Ellen was killed in action on the Somme, 27 September 1916, and is recorded on the memorial to the missing at the Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, Somme, France. Associated with World War One, Western Front (1914-1918).

Somme, Battle of the, 1916 (World War One, Western Front 1914-1918)