Harry White

1893 – 1915

Private. Service N° PO/38(S)

Killed in action on 6 May 1915

Royal Marine Light Infantry

The Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) served as a versatile and elite force during World War I, combining the Royal Marines’ naval tradition with infantry roles, primarily under the British Army’s command on land and at sea. Deployed in diverse theaters, including Gallipoli, the Western Front, and naval operations, the RMLI was integral to the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, fighting in key battles like Ancre, Passchendaele, and the Zeebrugge Raid. Known for their discipline and amphibious expertise, they undertook trench warfare, raids, and special operations, often under grueling conditions, while also supporting naval tasks such as manning shipboard guns. Despite heavy casualties and the challenges of adapting maritime skills to prolonged land campaigns, the RMLI’s courage and adaptability earned them a distinguished reputation, contributing significantly to Britain’s war effort with their unique blend of naval and infantry capabilities.

Meet the Family

Helles Memorial

Tekke, 17900 Seddülbahir/Eceabat/Çanakkale, Türkiye

British War Medal

The British War Medal was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or served overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, with eligibility later extended to services in Russia, Siberia, and other areas in 1919 and 1920..

Approximately 6.5 million were struck in silver, and 110,000 in bronze for certain labour corps (e.g., Chinese, Maltese, and Indian). The medal weighs about one ounce, and its silver composition sometimes led to it being pawned or melted down for scrap value during tough economic times post-war. It was nicknamed “Squeak” when paired with the Victory Medal (“Wilfred”) in the popular trio.

1914 – 15 Star

The 1914-15 Star was instituted in December 1918 and awarded to British and Imperial forces who served in any theatre of war against the Central Powers between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915, except those eligible for the 1914 Star (which covered service in France and Belgium up to 22 November 1914)..

An estimated 2.4 million were issued, including 283,500 to the Royal Navy and 71,150 to Canadians. It was never awarded alone; recipients also received the British War Medal and Victory Medal, forming the “Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred” trio, with the 1914-15 Star often called “Pip.”

Victory Medal

The Victory Medal, also known as the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star, and to most who received the British War Medal, for service in a theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918..

It was extended to include mine clearance in the North Sea until 30 November 1919 and the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War until 1 July 1920. Approximately 5.7 million were issued across the British Empire. Each Allied nation designed its own version, but all shared a common ribbon and the winged Victory figure on the obverse. It was nicknamed “Wilfred” in the “Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred” trio.