Research your First World War Stories: Memorial Plaque.
If your ancestor was killed during the First World War then their family would have been sent a Memorial Plaque when the war ended.
The plaque shown here in the name of Labh Singh is a typical example. It measures 5 inches in diameter and is made of bronze. If your family has a plaque then later in this series we will tell you how to research their death.
The Memorial Plaque 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.
The plaques were made of bronze, and hence popularly known as the 'Dead Man’s Penny', because of the similarity in appearance to the somewhat smaller penny coin. Nearly 1.4 million plaques were issued.
The front of the plaque contains an image of Britannia holding a trident and standing with a lion.
In her left outstretched left hand Britannia holds an oak wreath above the rectangular tablet bearing the deceased's name cast in raised letters.
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.
Around the picture the legend reads (in capitals): 'He died for freedom and honour'.
Picture credit: Private Collection