PLAQUE, Memorial, Frederick John Brown, WWI

Circular bronze plaque, colloquially known as a 'Dead Man's Penny', with an inscription on the front and plain on the back. The front reads 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge and 'FREDERICK JOHN BROWN' in a box on the right hand side. The largest part of the front is taken up with Britannia, who has a trident in one hand and laurel wreath in the other. She is wearing a helmet and flowing robes. In front of her is a large lion, standing on the ground. Under the ground is a smaller lion killing an eagle (German). Up near the top of Britannia are two dolphins, symbolising the sea. Perhaps the significance of this is Britannia ruling the world with the lion under control. The initials 'E.CRD' are in the bottom right corner of the front face, perhaps the artist? The medallion appears similar to the reverse of both the East and Central Africa Medal 1897-1899, and the Africa General Service Medal 1902-1920. These plaques were sent to the next of kin of men? who died on active service in the Great War. The plaque could be set in a memorial or headstone. Initially a telegram would be sent advising that the person had been killed in action. Then came the plaque together with a certificate.
This plaque is highly polished and of varying thickness between 3-4mm.

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Collection

History Collection

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