Edg
ar Henry Smith, son of Simon and Anna Maria (Whalen) Smith, was born on September 20, 1895 in Island Cove. He was a seaman on the HMS Trebiskir. Edgar died on November 12, 1918 at the age of 24. He was buried at Swansea, England.
 Front – top left Military Cross; top right 1914-1915 Star; bottom left Military Medal; bottom right Victory Medal. |
 Back – top left Military Cross; top right 1914-1915 Star; bottom left Military Medal; bottom right Victory Medal. |
Military Cross
 Military Cross, front. A plain silver cross, 1.75 inches across. |
 Military Cross, back |
The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below (therefore acting and temporary Majors are eligible) or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, the terms were altered to clearly state the award was for gallant and distinguished services in action and that naval and air force officers could be awarded the cross for gallant and distinguished services on the ground.
1914 – 1915 Star
 1914-1915 Star, front. A bronze four-pointed star, 1.75 inches wide and 2.25 inches top to bottom, with its uppermost point replaced by crown. |
 1914-1915 Star, back |
The star was awarded to all who saw service in any theatre of war against the central powers between 05 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 except those eligible for the 1914 Star. Canada considered ‘overseas’ to be service beyond the three mile limit and hence many RCN small ships were entitled to this star.
Military Medal
 Military Medal, front, A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. |
 Military Medal, back. |
The medal is awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field.
Victory Medal
 Victory Medal, front. A circular, copper medal, lacquered bronze, 1.42 inches in diameter. |
 Victory Medal, back.
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The medal was awarded to all ranks of the fighting forces, to civilians under contract, and others employed with military hospitals who actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war between 05 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 (inclusive). It was also awarded to members of the British Naval mission to Russia 1919 – 1920 and for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11 November 1918 and 30 November 1919. This medal was never issued alone and was always issued with the British War Medal.
Special thanks to Craig Smith, nephew of Edgar, for sending us the picture of his Uncle’s medals.