WW1 Memorial Plaque

The World War One Memorial Plaque, commonly known as the Death Penny or Dead Man's Penny, was issued to the families of British and Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives as a result of the First World War.

More than 1.3 million plaques were produced following the conflict and sent to grieving families throughout the British Empire. Together with the accompanying Memorial Scroll, the plaque became one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance from the Great War.

This guide explores the history of the Memorial Plaque, who was entitled to receive one, the meaning of its design and why it remains one of the most important artefacts of First World War remembrance.

What Was The Death Penny?

The Memorial Plaque was a bronze commemorative plaque issued to the next of kin of military personnel who died during the First World War.

Unlike campaign medals awarded for service, the Memorial Plaque was intended as a permanent memorial to those who never returned home.

The plaque measured approximately 120mm (4.75 inches) in diameter and was cast in bronze.

Each example was individually named to the fallen serviceman or woman.

Why Was It Called The Death Penny?

Although officially known as the Memorial Plaque, the award quickly became known as the "Death Penny" or "Dead Man's Penny."

The nickname arose because:

• The plaque was circular in shape.
• It resembled a large bronze penny.
• It was issued following a death in service.

The term remains widely used by collectors, historians and family researchers today.

The Memorial Plaque was awarded to the next of kin of military personnel who died as a result of the First World War.

The plaque was not awarded directly to the casualty.

Instead, it was sent to parents, spouses or other recognised next of kin.

The intention was to provide families with a permanent memorial to their loved one.

Each Memorial Plaque was accompanied by an illuminated Memorial Scroll.

The scroll bore:

• The casualty's name
• A message from King George V

The wording began:

"He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who at the call of King and Country left all that was dear to them..."

The scroll became one of the most treasured items retained by many families.

How Many Death Pennies Were Issued?

Approximately:

1,355,000 Memorial Plaques

were produced and distributed following the First World War.

This reflects the enormous human cost borne by Britain and the Commonwealth during the conflict.

Today, surviving examples remain highly sought after by collectors and descendants researching family history.

Death Pennies And Family History Research

The Memorial Plaque is often the starting point for military genealogy research.

Many descendants use surviving plaques to discover:

• Military service records
• Medal entitlement
• Unit histories
• War graves
• Casualty records

As a result, the Death Penny remains one of the most significant artefacts connected to First World War family history.

Collecting Memorial Plaques

Original Memorial Plaques are highly collectable and often remain within families.

Collectors particularly seek:

• Named examples
• RAF casualties
• Naval casualties

Remembering The Fallen

The Memorial Plaque remains one of the most enduring symbols of remembrance from the First World War. More than a century after the conflict ended, it continues to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to King and Country and serves as a lasting connection between modern families and the memory of the Great War.