Wilfred Fleet

Wilfred Fleet

Personal Details

Born in Malpas, Cheshire in 1894 (baptised 19th August 1894), the third son of John and Elizabeth Fleet of Church Street, Malpas, Cheshire.

Husband of Mary Fleet (nee Roberts) (married in 1919).

The 1911 Census shows Wilfred as an apprentice joiner; he joined the trade union in 1914 with seven years at trade.

Wilfred died from heart trouble arising from rheumatism suffered in the army.

Wilfred’s older brother Edgar also lost his life in the Great War.

Military Details

Regiment : 1st Army Workshop Company No. 8 Royal Engineers, formerly King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (19755)
Rank : 2nd Corporal
Service Number : 251785

Died of illness; United Kingdom 10 May 1920 Aged 25

Medals and Awards
Wilfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied 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.



Further Information

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Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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