Ellis Bradbury

1892 – 1915

Private. Service N° PO/37/S

Ellis was killed, together with many others during the Anzac attack. He has no known grave and the precise place or date of his death are not known. Killed in action somewhere around 4 May 1915

Royal Marines

The Royal Marines served in diverse roles during the First World War, both at sea and on land. The Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) formed part of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, fighting on the Western Front at battles like the Somme in 1916 and Passchendaele in 1917. They also participated in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, conducting amphibious landings under heavy fire. Known for their versatility and elite training, the Royal Marines were often deployed in high-risk operations, earning a reputation for courage and discipline.

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.