Harry Rowlands

Royal Navy

Personal Details

Born: 11 July 1887

Family: The second child, of twelve, of Richard and Annie Rowlands of Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Harry married Emma Edwards in June 1917 and together they had 3 children – Joseph E, Harry and Ruth.

Residence: The family moved to Manchester in the 1890’s and lived at 216 Graeme Street, Moss Side, Manchester, Lancashire in 1911.

Civilian Occupation: Harry worked as a stoker, like his father.

Died: In March 1932 aged 44.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Navy

Rank: Stoker

Service Number: K31121

Date of Enlistment: 2 March 1916

Date of Discharge: 15 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Harry 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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