REPLICA WW1 MENTION IN DESPATCHES OAK LEAF BADGE MEDAL AUSTRALIAN BRITISH ANZAC

Description

Offered is 1 x Full sized Replica First World War Mention in Despatches oak leaf badge.

The badge is a die cast alloy spray of oak leaves, with triangular prongs to rear for attachment to the ribbon. Badge measures 31mm wide and was moulded from an original WW1 badge. Badge retains the correct dark bronze colour, with good detail to leaves as per the originals. Perfect to add to your Victory Medal, display or medal mounting needs.

The ribbon is not part of the sale and is used for illustration purposes only.

Medal History

One of the oldest Imperial forms of recognition for bravery or distinguished service is when a serviceman or servicewoman was Mentioned in Despatches.

A despatch is an official report, written by a senior commander in the field to pass on information about the progress of military operations. Commanders would include in their despatches the names of those deserving attention to their services. Mentions may be for a specific act of bravery or for a period of outstanding service. During the Boer War it became common practice to list the names at the end of a despatch.

If your name appeared in these lists you were said to have been “Mentioned in Despatches”. The despatches were usually published in The London Gazette, so a mention equated to a public commendation.

Prior to 1919 those Mentioned in Despatches did not receive any form of recognition other than having their names published in The London Gazette. In 1919 a certificate was introduced to acknowledge those who received mention.

The following year an emblem of bronze oak leaves was issued to individuals who had been Mentioned in Despatches between 4 August 1914 and 10 August 1920. The device was to be worn at a low angle in the centre of the ribbon of the Victory Medal. Only one device was awarded per person, even if an individual was mentioned more than once.