HAMPTON, Robert Collet - WW1 medallion

[Stonegeko]

I came across the medallion pictured. It is solid brass, about 150mm (15cm, 6") in diameter, embossed on one side only. The perimeter inscription reads “He died for Freedom and Honovr” and the name is Robert Collett [sic] Hampton.

In case the picture attachment won't work, the medallion is embossed with a woman, presumably Britannia holding a trident in her right hand and a laurel wreath in her reaching left hand. There is a male lion standing in front of her. Both are looking to the right. There are two dolphins in random locations on the background.

Robert Collett Hampton was my great uncle and he died in 1917 in Belgium during WW1.

I would like to know something of the history of this medallion. Who produced it? When was it produced? Who it was given to initially? etc etc.

[DavidJP]

Hi Stonegeko,

The medallion is a memorial plaque (also known as the 'Dead Man's Penny', which was given to the next of kin of all British & Empire Service Personnel who were killed during the First World War.

Link here to more about the plaque: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Plaque_(medallion)

Link to more info about it here: http://www.greatwar.co.uk/memorials/memorial-plaque.htm

Hope this helps.

Kind regards

David

[heatherjulie]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Plaque_(medallion)