Historical information

The 1914–15 Star was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to all who served in the British and Imperial forces against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915, provided they had not already received the 1914 Star. The period of eligibility was prior to the Military Service Act 1916, which introduced conscription in Britain. Recipients also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Leah Rosenthal volunteered with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service Reserve, serving in France, and also was awarded the Associate Royal Red Cross

Significance

Of significance to the AHNL as the recipient was an Alfred Hospital Graduate

Physical description

The medal, based on the design of the earlier 1914 Star, is a four-pointed star of bright bronze, ensigned with a crown. The medal and suspension assembly was struck in one piece. The obverse has two crossed gladii (swords) with their blades upwards, the points and grips of which form what might appear to be four additional points to the star. The swords are overlaid by a wreath of oak leaves, with the Royal Cypher of King George V at the base of the wreath and an overlaying central scroll inscribed "1914–15". The reverse is plain and is impressed with the recipient's details [LIEUT. /J. ROSENTHAL. RANC] The attached ribbon has the red, white and blue colours of the flag of the United Kingdom in shaded and watered bands. The medal has been mounted on card together with recipient's British War Medal and Victory Medal