Obverse, crossed swords with inscriptions on scrolls, under a wreath with the royal monogram at bottom and over a four-pointed star of which the topmost point is replaced by a crown.
Reverse, plain star with recipient's name stamped
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Obverse, crossed swords with inscriptions on scrolls, under a wreath with the royal monogram at bottom and over a four-pointed star of which the topmost point is replaced by a crown. |
Reverse, plain star with recipient's name stamped |
The 1914 Star was instituted in 1917 to commemorate service on the Western Front during the Great War of 1914-1918 between the declaration of war on 5 August and the end of the First Battle of Ypres on 22 November 1914. By this time the hideous casualties at Ypres and the Somme had considerably reduced the number of those who qualified for its award.
Despite its broader eligibility, the Star rapidly became identified with the first battle fought by the British during the War, that of Mons. In this battle it fell to the British Expeditionary Force to hold a position at Mons for 24 hours to cover the withdrawal of the French Fifth Army, beaten in the Battle of Charleroi. The German forces, superior in numbers, were confident of rolling over the four under-prepared divisions of the BEF, but in the event, though they were forced to withdraw, the British put up a defence that became a legend, in which many acts of heroism were performed.
This medal was awarded to Private A. Campbell of the 1st Battalion, 5th Royal Highlanders, otherwise known as the Black Watch. This unit were involved in covering the retreat of the forces engaged at Mons, and Private Campbell may very well therefore have reckoned his medal a Mons Star rather than a 1914 one. Note however that it does not bear the bar that would indicate service under fire during the period of eligibility. Lester Watson acquired the medal at some point before 1928.