The Dead Man's Penny

It's always interesting to have items of militaria in stock and pieces related to The Great War are especially poignant. This is a WWI victory medal group presented to the relatives of Private William Skillings of the 1st battalion of the 5th Norfolk regiment who died in Palestine on 5th September , 1917. The medals were received by all service men and women who served in the war. The large bronze plaque in the centre was given to the families of the deceased in recognition of their sacrifice. Individually struck with the name of the dead (minus rank to represent equality in death) they were known as the dead man's penny.