Historical information

In 1919, Australian schoolchildren received a special commemorative medal to mark the end of World War I. This medal, known as the “Peace of 1919” medallion, was issued by the Defence Department and distributed to schoolchildren throughout Australia. The medallion is circular with a plain edge and an integral suspension loop. On the obverse side, it features a symbolic female figure of Peace, holding a sword and standing on a plinth marked “PEACE 1919.” A dove flies behind her, and two figures freed from shackles are at her feet. The reverse side showcases a central panel surrounded by laurel leaves, topped by the King’s Crown with the word “VICTORY” over rays of the rising sun. A sailor and a digger stand at ease on either side of the panel, which bears the inscription “THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE.” Below the leaves, a small panel displays the words “THE PEACE OF 1919” and the manufacturer’s name. The medallion was issued to commemorate the signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty in 1919, which officially ended World War I. Originally, the medals were suspended from a narrow piece of red, white, and blue striped cotton ribbon. This medallion served as a reminder to a generation of the service and sacrifice of Australians during the war. It symbolized the achievement of peace, albeit at great cost. Each child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and up to 16 if their parents were in the armed forces) received this small but meaningful token of remembrance12.

Physical description

Small medallion with faded red, white and blue ribbon with pin. Female on the front. Wreath on back with two males either side with uniform