World War One Medals (WW1 Medals)

British World War One Medals

British and Commonwealth personnel served across France and Belgium, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, Salonika, East Africa and other theatres during the First World War.

The principal British campaign awards include the 1914 Star, 1914–15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. More specialised awards included the Territorial Force War Medal and Mercantile Marine War Medal.

This collection also includes medal ribbons, ribbon bars, clasps, miniatures, selected allied awards and memorial products associated with service and sacrifice during the Great War.

Who Qualified for WW1 Medals?

Eligibility depended on when, where and in what capacity an individual served.

The 1914 Star was awarded for qualifying service in France or Belgium between 5 August and 22–23 November 1914. The 1914–15 Star covered qualifying service in an operational theatre before 31 December 1915 for those who had not received the 1914 Star.

The British War Medal had broader qualifying conditions, while the Victory Medal generally required service within a theatre of war. The Territorial Force War Medal and Mercantile Marine War Medal recognised particular forms of wartime service.

For more detailed qualifying criteria, read our complete WW1 Medal Eligibility Guide.

Button: READ THE WW1 MEDAL ELIGIBILITY GUIDE

What Are “Pip, Squeak and Wilfred”?

“Pip, Squeak and Wilfred” is the affectionate nickname given to the best-known First World War medal trio.

“Pip” refers to either the 1914 Star or 1914–15 Star, “Squeak” is the British War Medal and “Wilfred” is the Victory Medal. The nicknames came from popular newspaper cartoon characters of the period.

Not every recipient received all three medals. Many personnel received only the British War Medal and Victory Medal, while others qualified for additional or more specialised awards.

Replica and Replacement WW1 Medals

Original First World War medals are now more than a century old. Many family groups have been lost, damaged or separated over successive generations.

Our replica medals allow families to reconstruct and preserve a relative’s medal entitlement. Replica WW1 medals can be supplied loose on ribbon, professionally mounted or incorporated into a bespoke framed display.

Where available, medals can also be engraved with a recipient’s service details.

Mounting and Displaying WW1 Medals

Full-size and miniature World War One medals can be professionally swing mounted or court mounted in the correct order of wear.

For groups intended primarily for preservation, we also offer medal frames and bespoke displays incorporating medals, photographs, cap badges, citations, memorial plaques and personal information.

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EXPLORE MEDAL MOUNTING

SHOP MEDAL FRAMES

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BRITISH WW1 MEDALS?

The principal British First World War campaign medals are the 1914 Star, 1914–15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Other awards included the Territorial Force War Medal and Mercantile Marine War Medal.

WHAT MEDALS MAKE UP “PIP, SQUEAK AND WILFRED”?

The group consists of either the 1914 Star or 1914–15 Star, followed by the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

ARE THESE ORIGINAL FIRST WORLD WAR MEDALS?

Unless a listing specifically states otherwise, the medals sold in this collection are newly manufactured replicas rather than original named medals.

CAN REPLICA WW1 MEDALS BE ENGRAVED?

Where engraving is available, service details can be added to the medal. The available engraving options are shown on the relevant product page.

DO YOU SELL MINIATURE WW1 MEDALS?

Yes. Miniatures are available for the principal World War One campaign medals and can be supplied loose or professionally mounted.

CAN WW1 MEDALS BE MOUNTED READY TO WEAR?

Yes. Full-size and miniature medals can be professionally swing mounted or court mounted in the correct order of wear.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH MEDALS A RELATIVE RECEIVED?

Service records, medal index cards and other family documentation can help establish entitlement. Our WW1 Medal Eligibility Guide explains the principal qualifying criteria, and our team can assist where service details are available.