Thomas Ernest Gill

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: 1879 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: His grandparents who brought him up were Henry and Frances Gill (his parents are not known). He married Mary Ellen Cliffe in 1902 in Wem, Shropshire; no children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1881 and 1891 he was living with his grandparents in Green End, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was serving in South Africa (Boer War). In 1911 and married he was living at 8 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a carter.

Died: In 1938 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 59.

Military Details

Regiment: King`s Shropshire Light Infantry 

Rank: Private

Service Number: 6858

Date of Enlistment: 1914

Date of Discharge: 29 March 1917

Reason for Discharge: Wounded

Other Information: Gunshot wound to face on 12 April 1917; entitled to wear a wound stripe. He served in the Boer War (King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Private 7291 and previously 3075)

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals) and Silver War Badge

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.

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.


Silver War Badge

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the "Discharge Badge", the "Wound Badge" or "Services Rendered Badge", was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement.


 


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