Personal Details
Born in Malpas, Cheshire in 1887, the second son of the late John and Margaret McMichael of Ivy Cottage, Old Hall Street, Malpas, Cheshire.
John declared his occupation as a carpenter on enlisting in 1915.
Military Details
Regiment : 119th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Rank : Gunner
Service Number : 112440
Died of wounds; France 10 May 1918 Aged 31
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.
Further Information
Report in the Liverpool Daily Post 14 May 1918 regarding the death of John McMichael
“McMICHAEL – May 10, died of wounds received in action, Gunner J. McMichael, the dearly-loved son of Margaret and the late ex-Police-Sergt. John McMichael, of Ivy Cottage Malpas.”
Liverpool Daily Post 14 May 1918
If you can provide any further information on John McMichael please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.
Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives