Commemorative Medallion 1914-1918 issued to the next-of-kin of Rifleman Frederick Leonard Humm, 8th Battalion, The...

Commemorative Medallion 1914-1918 issued to the next-of-kin of Rifleman Frederick Leonard Humm, 8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade. Humm was killed in action on the Western Front on 11 October 1917. He was one of 1.3 million Commonwealth service personnel killed during the First World War (1914-1918). The relatives of these men received this commemorative medallion. Commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny', it was designed by Edward Carter Preston who was commissioned after winning a War Office competition. His design shows the figure of Britannia gesturing towards the soldier’s name, held in a rectangular panel. The lion is a symbol of Britain’s strength. The dolphins to either side of the panel represent Britain’s naval power. The lion is shown pouncing on an eagle, symbolising Britain’s victory over Germany.