Memorial Plaque (medallion) facts for kids
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The Memorial Plaque was a special medal given to families after the First World War. It was for people from the British Empire who died because of the war. These plaques were like large bronze coins.
People often called them the "Dead Man's Penny." This was because they looked a bit like the smaller British penny coin. About 1,355,000 plaques were made. This used a huge amount of bronze, around 450 tons! They were given out until the 1930s to remember those who died.
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What Does the Memorial Plaque Look Like?
The design for the plaque was chosen through a public contest. Over 800 different ideas were sent in. A sculptor named Edward Carter Preston won the competition. He used the secret name Pyramus for his entry.
The Main Design Elements
Carter Preston's winning design shows Britannia, a symbol of Britain. She holds a trident and stands with a lion. Her left hand holds an olive wreath over a special tablet. This tablet has the name of the person who died.
- The designer's initials, E.CR.P., are near the lion's front paw.
- An oak branch with acorns is next to the lion.
- The plaque only shows the person's name, not their military rank. This was to show that everyone's sacrifice was equally important.
- Two dolphins swim around Britannia, showing Britain's strong navy.
- At the bottom, another lion is shown tearing apart the German eagle.
- The back of the plaque is plain.
- Around the edge, it says: "He died for freedom and honour."
- For the about 600 women who died, the plaque said: "She died for freedom and honour."
Where Were the Plaques Made?
The first plaques were made in Acton, London, starting in 1919. Early plaques from Acton did not have a number on them. Later ones had a number stamped behind the lion's back leg.
In December 1920, the making of the plaques moved to the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. You can tell these plaques apart by a circle with the letters "WA" on the back. They also have a number stamped between the lion's tail and leg.
The design was changed a little at Woolwich. This was to make space for the "S" in "SHE" for the female plaques. After about 1,500 female plaques were made, the molds were changed back for the male version.
What Came With the Plaque?
The plaques were sent in a package. This package also included a special scroll from King George V. Sometimes, the letter and scroll arrived before the plaque itself.
Modern Adaptations and Replicas
Smaller, unofficial bronze plaques were also made by other companies. These were sold to people who wanted them.
Today, you can sometimes find modern copies of the plaques. It is important to know that these are not the original ones.
In 2019, a large artwork was put up at the new Woolwich Station. This station is in the Royal Arsenal, where thousands of the original plaques were made. The wall decoration is based on the design of the Memorial Plaque.
