Thomas Whitfield's Silver Polar Medal

Polar Medal, octagonal silver medal on a white ribbon presented to Thomas Whitfield, one of the stokers onboard the Discovery during the British National Antarctic Expedition 1901-1904. The Polar medal was introduced in 1904 to recognise the outstanding service in the Antarctic of the men of Captain Scott’s first expedition. Awarded by King Edward VII, the medal replaced the original Arctic Medal which previously had been awarded for expeditions up to 1855. On one side is the image of King Edward VII’s profile looking left, with the words ‘Edwardvs VII. Rex. Imperator’ inscribed around the edge. On the reverse, are six figures in front of stood in front of the Discovery. Also includes ornate clasp, inscribed with ‘Antarctic 1902-04’.