NAM.1998-02-164-2

Commemorative Medallion 1914-1918, issued to next of kin of Margaret Selina Caswell, Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps. 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, ‘Margaret Selina Caswell’, held in a rectangular panel. The medal is inscribed, ‘She 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. Awarded to Margaret Selina Caswell, Women’s Legion, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and issued to her next of kin. Caswell was among nine women who died in an air raid at Abbeville in France on 30 May 1918. Associated with World War One, Western Front (1914-1918).

World War One, Air Operations (1914-1918), World War One, Western Front (1914-1918)