General Chat

I was privileged today..........

I am part of a local history project group in our town, and this afternoon I was given a chance to see, and hold, a Death Plaque also known as a 'Dead Man's Penny'.

I had read of them but to be given one to hold, from the family owner, made me feel very honoured and especially on this significant day in history.

Disappointed :-(...26 views and no comments.

I had not seen this until now Mau. Strange what people reply to and what they don't isn't it.

However, what a privilege Can you describe it for those of us who have not seen one please. :-)

How wonderful Mau,

It really bring it home when you see and handle one.Its such a shame that many get seperated from the medals,but they can be linked with males medals who was KIA.in WW1.

I have seen loads overtime at fairs and in auctions,and they do usually go to collectors,,,,,,they can command good money if the medals are with them and still in their original box.but still a shame that a price can be put on something that given for sacrifice and bravery.

They are about 5 inch round,quite heavy bronze plaques,,,only the persons name appears on them,no service No or regiment,,,,,over 600 were given out after WW1 for women who lost their lives..

I also have just seen your thread Mau.

Such an honour indeed and I imagine quite moving. <3

Thanks Kay.

So sorry I didn't come back straightaway. Thanks Ann, Kay and Emma :-D
A good description from Kay, and I was surprised at how big and heavy the plaque felt in my hand.

Britannia is shown with laurel leaf in left hand,over the commemorated serviceman's name,and with a trident in her right.
Two dolphins are on either side and a lion at her feet.

Written around the margin are the words " he died for freedom and honour."...there was an alteration given to the plaque for an S to be added for the 600 womens' families.

There's also a small lion underneath, biting a winged creature, representing the German Eagle.

Information here about the medallion.

http://www.greatwar.co.uk/memorials/memorial-plaque.htm

Mau xx

<3How lovely for you Mau especially as you say on such a memorable day.

Very special indeed,thank you Paula

Mau xx

Hi Mau,
My OH has a Dead Man's Penny which was issued to his grandmother, to commemorate his Grandfather who was killed in Nov 1918 just before the end of the war. It was left to Father-in Law, and then came to OH. It is now on our mantelpiece in a place of honour, and will, in time pass down to our son, and grandson.

I had never heard of them until recently, there was a regional news story about a family who had obtained one through an inheritance.

Very moving for you Mau I bet <3 <3 <3

I have my Grandfather's dog tags, which came with me to Belgium yesterday when I visited some of the CWGC cemeteries and the Menin Gate. Bob

Mau
How special for you.

I'd not seen one until this year, although I'd seen them on TV.
They seemed larger in real life, than I had thought.

My friend is the custodian of the 'Penny' sent after the death of her late father's brother.
She also had family medals, but hadn't realised until I told her that they were inscribed around the edge. They too related to the same soldier and using the information we were able to find his burial place.
The family had visited battlefield cemeteries before without finding him, as the handed down information was not accurate.
My friend intends visiting the grave, as soon as she can.

Bob
I can imagine that it was very moving to take your grandfather's dog tags back to the area of conflict.

Gwyn

Definitely something precious to hand down through the family and to take pride of place in the home.

Thank you Magpie, Joan, Ann and Gwyn and a memorable trip to Belgium for you Bob.

Mau xx

Dear Mau

Hello

I am very interested in your posts. <3

Very moving and humbling what you posted and other GR colleagues
and friends.


Take gentle care
With best wishes
Elizabeth,
xx

Mau, I am archivist at our Local History Society and at the moment we are researching every single WW1 soldier on our memorial. I have felt very honoured to have had access to Dead Mans Pennies, Medals, Pocket books,Photos and many letters official and personal. The personal ones are so sad as many were written from the trenches and I often sit with a tear in my eye reading them. Makes me appreciate just how lucky I am. <3 <3

Hi Elizabeth thank you and best wishes to you also xx

LG I'm part of a local / school history project and that is how I came to hold The Penny. There have been lots of items brought in,from family members, for us to look at and I'm like you in that I cannot read some of the letters without becoming emotional.

On Tuesday afternoon we watched a film about our town, documenting the two world wars, and giving details of loved ones lost and those left at home....heart breaking...and still today among our politicians and generals " no lessons learned."

Mau xx