Front || Victory medal sent to Dickson’s father as Archibald’s next of kin. To qualify for this medal one had to be mobilised by Britain in any service, and have entered a theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. The oak leaf on the ribbon records that Archibald was ‘mentioned in despatches’, a recognition of his bravery. Active service overseas qualified individuals to receive service medals from the British government in the name of the King. Millions were produced, and they were all individually named. Medals awarded to individuals who had not survived were usually received in the post by their closest living relative after the war.

Front || 1914 Star service medal earned by Buchanan and sent to his next of kin after the war. The 1914 Star was only issued to those who served in the first year of the war. Service medals were usually delivered in the post, unlike gallantry awards recognising acts of bravery which were sometimes awarded formally in person. Most service medals were received after the war. As Buchanan did not survive the war, his medals were sent to his next of kin.

Telegram sent to Sneddon in camp at Invergordon, Ross-shire by a family member, telling him that his mother had died. || Front