George Priest

1899 – 1918

Lance Corporal. Service N° 58403

Killed in action near Loos on 15 Jun 1918 and has no known grave. Commemorated on the Loos memorial

Northumberland Fusilliers

The Northumberland Fusiliers played a significant role in World War I, serving with distinction across major campaigns on the Western Front and beyond. Known as the “Fighting Fifth” for their 5th Regiment of Foot lineage, they raised over 50 battalions, including regular, territorial, and volunteer units, and saw action in key battles such as Mons, Ypres, the Somme, and Passchendaele. Renowned for their resilience, the fusiliers endured the brutal conditions of trench warfare, heavy casualties, and intense combat, earning numerous battle honors and Victoria Crosses for acts of valor. Their versatility was evident in roles ranging from frontline assaults to defensive stands, while their strong regimental identity fostered camaraderie and morale despite the war’s grinding attrition. The Northumberland Fusiliers’ contributions were integral to the British Army’s efforts, reflecting both the courage and sacrifice of the era’s infantry.

Meet the Family

62750 Loos-en-Gohelle

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.