World War One Archives - Football and the First World War

Mercantile Marine War Medal

The Mercantile Marine War Medal was introduced in 1919 and was awarded to members of the Merchant Navy who had served at sea for at least six months, or had complete one or more voyages through a war zone or danger zone, between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 – the period between the commencement of World […]

The Silver War Badge

The Silver War Badge (SWB), often referred to as the Wound Badge, Services Rendered Badge or Discharge Badge, was introduced in September 1916 and was awarded retrospectively to service personnel who had been honourably discharged, usually due to wounds or sickness, since the outbreak of World War One in August 1914. Designed to be worn on civilian clothes only, the main […]

The Distinguished Service Order

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted by Queen Victoria on 6 September 1886 and was awarded to commissioned officers of the British Army, usually to those above the rank of major, who had rendered meritorious or distinguished service during war and had been Mentioned in Despatches. Almost 9,000 were issued during World War One, with all awards […]

Encyclopedia of World War One

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BRITISH MILITARY FORCES IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR The British Army The Royal Navy The Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force The Mercantile Marine Theatres of War Battles and Engagements Uniform and Equipment Weapons British Campaign Medals Decorations and Gallantry Awards Service Records Casualties