WW1Black and white photo -full length,standing,legs astride-WW1 uniform-slouch hat-rising suns on collarwilliam, ww1 mercer, c

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918. John Mercer Walker entered ballarat College in 1902 and was Dux of the school in 1904. He enlisted as a Private in the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance and served on Gallipoli. He transferred to 21st Squadron AFC in November 1917 and served in Palestine. He was killed a 22 August 1918 and buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is incased in a heavy card envelope. The medallion is accompanied with Walker's wings RFC and RAAF,Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed: John Mercer Walkerjohn-mercer-walker, death-penny, ballarat-college, w-w-1, world-war-one,