George Gaughan

Machine Gun Corps

Personal Details

Born: In 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: George was one of ten children born to Patrick Gaughan, a pedlar, and his wife Elizabeth (Ellen) nee Hughes. He married Bertha Cox, Quarter 4 1910 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had three children – Leslie, Serena and Connie.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at 8 Barlows Yard, Whitchurch but by 1901 they had moved to 33 Newtown Street. In 1911 and now married, he and his wife were stated as boarders at 22 Highgate, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` list for Whitchurch was 14 Pepper Street, Whitchurch. His wife is shown as living at the same address when she died in 1938.

Employment: On the 1911 Census George was described as a labourer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 54596

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other information: George`s medals were returned, but the reason for this is not known. He had two brothers, Patrick and James, who also served and died in WW1.

Medals and Awards

George 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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