Historical information
Bronze Memorial plaque and Memorial Scroll issued to families whose relative was killed in action during word war 1. The history of the dead man's penny began in 1916 with the realisation by the British Government hat some form of an official token of gratitude should be given to the fallen service men and women's bereaved next of kin.
Production of the plaques and scrolls, which was supposed to be financed by the German reparation money began in 1919 with approximately 1,150,00 issued.
There were some relatives who returned the pennies to the Australian Government in protest as b they felt it was insulting and it did not replace their loved one's life.
Significance
Killed in Action
William Edward Ernest Bond joined the 58th Bn on the 24th November 1915 as a labourer from Geelong.
As a private (4296), he was sent to France and the Western Front.
He initially went missing in action in the Fleurbaix area on 19th of July 1917. It took a court of Inquiry in the field in September,1917 to determine he was killed in action, although his body was never recovered. He died aged 18.
His name can be found on Panel 14, VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, Fromelles, Lille, Nord Pas de Calais, France
Physical description
Memorial Bronze Plaque and Scroll. The Memorial Plaque was also known as the WW1 'Death Penny' in memory of William Edward Ernest BOND
Inscriptions & markings
Brass Plaque " He died for Freedom and Honour William Edward Ernest Bond"
Scroll Commemoration to Pte Edward Ernest Bond 58th Bn AIF
