Historical information

The design for the Memorial plaque was chosen from 800 entries in 1918. Mr E.C.Preston of Liverpool was the winner. The prize was 200 pounds. The plaque was to be, As a solace for bereavement and as a memento. The first plaques arrived in Australia during 1922. They were to become commonly known as the Death penny or the Dead mans penny.
Francis Charles Wicks, No 2246 enlisted in 14th Reinforcements 28th Batt AIF on 24.7.15 age 33 years 10 months. Embarked for Eygpt 1.10.15, embarked for France 16.3.16, was reported Missing in Action on 29.7.1916 and was then reported Killed in Action the same day in France, confirmed by Court of Inquiry 4.1.17. Refer 2059, his brother James Henry Wicks Regt No 4626.

Physical description

Circular cast bronze plaque with raised relief of Britannia and a lion with two small seals. Around the outside in raised relief is the wording typical to all plaques. A rectangular section on the right is for individual names of those lost in the British Commonwealth during the Great War

Inscriptions & markings

Around the left side and top of the plaque, “HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR” On the right hand side in the rectangular section, “FRANCIS CHARLES WICKS”