My Grandfathers service medals from L-R , The Mons Star The 1914 Star was instituted in 1917 for service ashore in France and Flanders between 5 August and 22 November 1914.The British War Medal 1914-1920, authorised in 1919, was awarded to eligible service personnel and civilians. Qualifications for the award varied slightly according to service. The basic requirement for army personnel and civilians was that they either entered a theatre of war, or rendered approved service overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.The Victory Medal 1914-1919 was also authorised in 1919 and was awarded to all eligible personnel who served on the establishment of a unit in an operational theatre.

Campaign medals with ribbons || Front

Photographs of Joseph Pettit's memorabilia from WW1 || Joseph Pettit, born in Castlejordan, County Meath joined the Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) at their depot headquarters in Crinkle, Birr, County Offaly on 27th January 1913. He was attested to the 2nd Battalion, Company A as a Corporal. His Battalion received orders for the front in August 1914 and arrived at St Nazaire, France on 12th September 1914. His Battalion made their way to the Western Front and he was based in Armentieres up to July 1915. Thereafter we only know that he was 'In the Field', as that is what is written in his Soldier's Pay Book for Use in Active Service. He received a Mention in a dispatch to the War Office by General Sir Douglas Haig on 30th April 1916 published in the London Gazette (2nd Supplement) on 15th June 1916 for Gallant and Distinguished services in the field. There were no specific battles at this time, but entrenched siege warfare. On the 18th September 1917, Joseph Pettit was transferred to the Labour Corps and given a new Regiment Number of 407467. It is not specified why Joseph was transferred. On 19th January 1918 he was transferred to the Chinese Labour Corps and promoted to Company Serjeant Major (Warrant Officer Class II). Joseph was gifted a hand carved Chinese style seat from one of the men of the Chinese Labour Corps. It has basic carvings depicting intertwined persons on one half and intertwined fish on the other. It is in four pieces that are interlocked and can be expanded out into a low level chair. After the Armistice, he remained in France/ Flanders until he was shipped ‘home’ to the U.K. on 20th January 1919 in order to convalesce from Pleurisy Tuberculosis. He was sent to the 1st Eastern General Hospital, a territorial force General Hospital in Cambridge. He was honourably discharged on 16th July 1919. He received the 3 Medals: 1. the Mons Star Medal , 2. The British War Medal and 3. The Victory Medal