Bill Crewe

East Surrey Regiment

Personal Details

Born: On the 5 October 1898.

Family: The sixth child of Richard and Mary Jane Crewe of 5 Smallbrook Buildings, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Bill married Esther Dockerty (or Docherty) in 1921 and together they had 6 daughters – Irene, Kate, Dorothy B, Esther A, Christine M and Pamela D.

Civilian Occupation: He enlisted the day after his 18th birthday, his occupation being a baker. In 1939 he was working in the confectionery business.

Residence: In 1939 he was living at 26 Alkington Gardens.

Died: In 1977 aged 78.

Other Information: Brother of Jim Crewe who was killed in action 8 October 1917 aged 20.

Military Details

Regiment: East Surrey Regiment (previously Machine Gun Corps)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 35809 (Previously 74192)

Date of Enlistment: 6 October 1916

Date of Discharge: 23 September 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Bill was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.





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