British War Medal 1914-1918 presented to Frank Plumley

Medal, British War Medal 1914-1918 medal presented to Frank Plumley for service during the First World War. Silver disc with the bust of King George V on obverse surrounded by the words 'Georgeivs V Britt: Omn Rex et Ind: Imp'. Reverse shows Saint George naked on horseback and with a sword, the horse has trampled on eagle and skull and crossbones. The years 1914' and 1918' are also engraved. Edge engraved '285648 (service number) F.Plumley Blk R.N' (Blacksmith Royal Navy). Presented on striped ribbon of blue,black, white and orange.

Part of a collection of material relating to Frank Plumley, one of the stokers on board Discovery during the British National Antarctic Expedition 1901-1904. Plumley joined Discovery from H.M.S Gibraltar at Capetown, South Africa. During the expedition he took an active part in the polar camp, taking part in practice runs to test equipment and sledging journeys. He was part of Lieutenant Barnes first attempt to reach Cape Crozier in March 1902, this journey struck trouble when a blizzard swept over the Hut Point Peninsula sending George Vince to his death. He later played a part in Captain Scotts Western Attempt in October 1903. After Discovery Plumley served on a served on a number of ships including Dreadnought, Venus and King George V. He saw active service with the Navy during World War I and returned to civilian life in 1919 where he was employed as a blacksmith at Gun Wharf in Portsmouth. Frank died in 1971, aged 95, in Newport on the Isle of Wight.