Alfred Collis

1895 – 1917

Private. Service N° 415243

Killed in action 14 Aug 1917

London Regiment

The London Regiment was a Territorial Force unit that expanded significantly during the First World War, forming over 20 battalions. They served on the Western Front, in Gallipoli, Salonika, and Palestine. The 1/5th Battalion (London Rifle Brigade) was notably involved in the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, facing some of the first gas attacks. The regiment’s battalions were known for their versatility, with some units specializing in roles like trench raiding and others supporting major offensives such as the Battle of Loos and the Somme.

Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery

Hogeziekenweg, 8900 Leper, Belgium

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.