The 1914-15 Star was typically awarded for service in France, Flanders, Gallipoli or in other recognised theatres of war before the end of 1915 and was accompanied by the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
To commemorate those who lost their lives during the Great War or who died due to the effects of war before 1922, the government sent an individually named memorial plaque to each casualty’s next of kin to commemorate that he or she ‘died for freedom and honour’. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘death plaque’ or ‘dead man’s penny’.
The 1914-15 trio and memorial plaque awarded to Rifleman Ernest Stevenson, 25, of the 2nd Rifle Brigade, who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1, 1916.