Historical information

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.Edward S Holgate entered Ballarat College in 1894. On leaving school he became on auctioneer with the family firm S Holgate & Son, Ballarat. Before enlistment he was secretary of the Ballarat College Old Collegians Society.
'Ted' was killed at Villers-Bretonneux on 27 April 1918 two dats after his commendation in military dispatches for 'gallantry in the field on 24-25 April 1918'. Edward's brother Harry Spencer Holgate also enlisted and was killed at Zonnebeke on 11 October 1917.

Significance

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.

Physical description

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

Inscriptions & markings

Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour
A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed: Edward Spencer Holgate.