Historical information

This French Service medal was awarded to F.J. Browne for service in the First World War tending to the wounded soldiers evacuated from France on hospital ships. The places inscribed on the medal are all in the Communaupole (Urban Area) of Lens-Liévin in the Pas de Calais where the broad plain and low hills of Artois saw some of the most savage and bloody fighting of World War I.

Significance

Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. A collection of objects found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers were transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection in January 1994.

Physical description

A small round gold medal (.1) with presentation case (.2). The scene on the front of the medal depicts an ancient castle & surrounds with the rising sun in the background, and is inscribed "SUNT LACRYMAE RERUM". On the reverse is a figure of a winged woman against a cross, and the inscription "AUX HEROS", above a list of inscribed place names: "DE GARENCY, VIMY, ABLAIN, AVION, SOUCHEL, LENS, LORETTE, LOOS". The outside of the presentation case is maroon leather. There is a cream velvet mount for the medal and the inside of the lid of the case is lined with cream satin. "A. MAYEUR" is inscribed on both sides of the medal.

Inscriptions & markings

"SUNT LACRYMAE RERUM", "AUX HEROS", "DE GARENCY, VIMY, ABLAIN, AVION, SOUCHEL, LENS, LORETTE, LOOS", "A.MAYEUR"