1914 Star

Also sometime unofficially known as the "Mons Star"


1914 Star

Physical Description - The decoration consists of a lacquered bronze star, the uppermost ray of the star taking the form of the imperial crown. Resting on the face of the star is a pair of crossed swords, and, on them, is a circular oak wreath. A scroll winds around the swords : it is inscribed with the date "Aug.- Nov. 1914." The ribbon is red merging into white and then into blue.

Note that men who served in Egypt and elsewhere at this time do not qualify for this medal. Note also that men who crossed to France after 23 November do not qualify for this medal, but the 1914-15 Star.

This medal was awarded to all officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and all men of the British and Indian Forces, including civilian medical practitioners, nursing sisters, nurses and others employed with military hospitals; as well as men of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who served with the establishment of their unit in France and Belgium between August 5th 1914, and midnight of November 22/23rd, 1914.

The reverse is plain with the recipient's service number, rank, name and unit impressed on it.

365,622 1914 Stars were issued.

Clasp To The 1914 Star

A bar clasp inscribed "5 Aug. to 22 Nov. 1914" was given to all those who qualified for the 1914 Star and who served under fire. Since the same ribbon is used with the 1914-15 Star, holders of the 1914 Star were permitted to wear a small silver rosette on their ribbon when the decoration itself is not worn. On the medal index cards this is usually noted as the "Clasp and Roses" or "C&R" .It was necessary to apply for the issue of the clasp.

The following local people received the 1914 Star.

Bickers
Ernest  b. between 1879 and 1881
Challis
Reginald David  b. 1885, d. 1915
Cullum
William  d. 1915
Harvey
William Horace  b. 1892, d. 1918
Parker
Albert George  b. between 1892 and 1894, d. 1918
Pratt
Cecil Henry  b. 1896
Sherman
Horace William  b. 1878, d. 1917
Snell
Archilbald Harold  b. 1895, d. 1969
Stevens
Arthur  b. between 1887 and 1889, d. 1917
Watling
Frederick  b. between 1884 and 1886, d. 1915