WWI 'DEAD MAN'S PENNY' MEMORIAL MEDAL NAMED PVT JOSEPH HARROW

WWI 'DEAD MAN'S PENNY' MEMORIAL MEDAL NAMED PVT JOSEPH HARROW
World War I 'Dead Man's Penny' bronze memorial plaque, named to Private JOSEPH HARROW, serial number 111313, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, date of death 13 November, 1916, age 21, commemorated at Serre Road Cemetery No.1, Pas de Calais France. The memorial plaque, 4.75 inches (120 mm) in diameter was issued after the First World War to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war. Edwin Carter Preston's design includes an image of Britannia holding a trident and standing with a lion. The designer's initials, E.CR.P., appear above the front paw. In her outstretched left hand Britannia holds an olive wreath above the tablet bearing the deceased's name cast in raised letters. Below the name tablet, to the right of the lion, is an oak spray with acorns. The name does not include the rank since there was to be no distinction between sacrifices made by different individuals. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing Britain's sea power, and at the bottom a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. The reverse is blank, making it a plaquette rather than a table medal. Around the picture the legend reads (in capitals) 'He died for freedom and honour'. Very good.