Title First World War memorial plaque
Object Name plaque
Subject First World War
Historical Background

These plaques, popularly known as Dead Men’s Pennies, were given to the next of kin of British and Empire service personnel who were killed in the First World War. Over 1,355,000 were issued. This one was sent to the family of Private William Robertson from Fife who was a private in the Royal Highlanders and who is named on Kirkcaldy’s War Memorial.

Description

Round bronze plaque with central figure of Britannia and a box which contains the name ‘William Robertson’. The two dolphins represent Britain’s naval power. Standing in front of Britannia is a lion. Underneath the lion’s feet is a scene depicting another lion biting into an eagle, representing Germany. Next to the lion’s front paw is an inscription ‘ECP’ for E. Carter Preston who won a public competition to design the medal. The legend around the circumference reads ‘HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR’. On the reverse is a small maker’s mark ‘W’ also containing an ‘A’ which suggests it was manufactured at the Woolwich Arsenal.

Image
Accession Number FIFER:2016.0474
Produced By

Woolwich Arsenal

Collection Artefact
Association Name

Edward Preston

William Robertson, British Armed Forces