William Thomas Brookes

South Lancashire Regiment

Personal Details

Born: 27 March 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He married Margaret Blaylock in 1916 in Carlisle, Cumbria and together they had four children – Margaret, William T, Dorothy R and an unnamed male child.

Residence: The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register has an address of 47 Talbot Street, Whitchurch; his medal card has a 1923 address of 9 Robert Street, Carlisle. In 1939 he was living at 1 Carrick’s Court, Lord Street, Carlisle.

Employment: In 1939 he was a plasterer’s labourer.

Died: In 1966 in Carlisle, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: South Lancashire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 37912

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (Victory and British War Medals)

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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