James Berresford

1898 – 1918

Private. Service N° 43425

Killed in action 21 August 1918

Royal Scots Fusiliers

The Royal Scots Fusiliers, a Scottish infantry regiment, served with distinction on the Western Front during the First World War. They were heavily engaged in the Battle of Arras in 1917, where they helped capture key positions despite intense German resistance. The regiment also fought in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, enduring harsh conditions and high casualties. Known for their disciplined bayonet charges, the Royal Scots Fusiliers earned several battle honors for their bravery and resilience.

Meet the Family

Douchy Les Ayette British Cemetery

62116, Douchy les Ayette

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.

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.