OBE Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil);
BEM British Empire Medal (Military) denoted by the central pearl grey stripe;
China War Medal (1900) for the Boxer Rebellion;
British War Medal WWI;
Victory Medal WWI;
Indian General Service with clasp ‘North West Frontier 1935’;
George VI Coronation Medal.
Pat acquired these medals in Melbourne more than 30 years ago. While Pat has been unable to identify the individual to date, these miniatures were worn by a British soldier who first served in China in 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion; then in WW1 and finally on the North West Frontier in 1935. The OBE being of the Civil grade and the BEM the Military grade, suggest that the soldier went on to higher things after he left the British Army, such as the Civil Service or Foreign Office. Pat also notes that this last medal is on the incorrect ribbon, which is for the Royal Victorian Order Medal. Of Australian connections, Pat indicated that the China War Medal 1900 was awarded to over 550 naval personnel from the colonies of NSW, VIC and SA.
Legion of Honour;
WWI Croix de Guerre;
WWII Croix de Guerre;
Volunteer Combatants Cross WWI;
Voluntary Military Service Medal
Set of seven French miniature medals: L to R
Legion of honour;
WWI Croix de Guerre;
Combatant’s Cross;
WWI Victory Medal;
Medal of Honour for Physical Education;
Orient Campaign Medal;
Serbian WWI Commemorative Medal for Peter I
Both sets of French miniature medals were acquired in Australia and while identity of the individuals is nearly impossible, they do reflect service during WW1 and in the top set WW2 as well. These miniatures were most likely worn by officers with the range of awards and expensive mounting arrangements of each group. The lower group also highlights overseas service a, a foreign award and a nonmilitary award as well.