| Description
| Brass badge with "On War Service 1915" stamped on it. Centre of badge has three gun carriages on it indicating that it was issued to munitions workers. Reverse of badge is stamped with maker Woolley & co (Birm) Ltd and number 32094. Badge has a button hole fitting.
This badge was worn by Pte Henry May VC who served with the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during First World War. He was released from service in 1915 as a time expired man, but he reenlisted in 1918. It is unknown where Henry May worked during 1915-1918.
War Service badges were worn to indicate the wearer was engaged on important war service work, many such as this one were produced privately by companies but there was also government issue ones.
Pte Henry May of the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal for his action on 22nd October 1914.
His citation gazetted on 19th April 1915 records "On 22 October 1914 near La Boutillerie, France, Private May tried to rescue, under very heavy fire, a wounded man who was killed before he could save him. Later, on the same day, he carried a wounded officer 300 yeards to safety while exposed to very severe fire." |
