1914 Stars

[kc]

Here is a group photo of some crew. The only info we have about it is the caption "1914 Stars"

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/unknowncrew.jpg

Anyone know what this might be referring to?

[Melv.]

I think so kc.......the 1914 WW1 star (as it was known) was only issued to those who served on active service between the period Aug. 1914 to Dec. 1915 inc. Royal Navy (I have one of these Stars from an Uncle who served at that time.)
This medal differs from the generally known "Star" medal that was issued for WW1 with minor differences.
So I guess this photo is referring to those who were awarded the "Star" for the period I have mentioned.

[kc]

Thanks Melv, that would certainly make sense.

[Melv.]

.....also if it was some form of presentation photograph you would think that the men in the photo would be wearing their new medal wouldn't you?
As it happens it is just 2 or 3 sporting their gongs on actual ribbons with what looks like the "Star"
What I do know from experience you can be awarded a medal but it can take months before you actually receive it personally.
I think that is or what has happened in this photo.

[Odin]

Just seen this thread - if they are referring to 1914 Stars (rather than 1914-15 Stars) then the only Navy personnel who qualified for the 1914 Star are those men who served in the Royal Naval Divisions - these were formed mainly because there weren't enough sea going billets for all the Naval Reservists.

A total of 11,487 1914 Stars were issued to the Navy Units. Most were in the various RND Battalions (Anson, Benbow, Collingwood, Drake, Hawke, Hood, Howe, Nelson, Chatham RMLI, Deal RMLI, Plymouth RMLI, Portsmouth RMLI and RMA) - that accounts for over 10,000 of the stars.

I see there are other threads on RND.

[RCN]

Any RN officer or rating that served ashore in the theatre of operations during the qualification period for the 1914 star was awarded it. He did not necessarily have to belong to the RND. I had two 1914 stars awarded to RN ratings in my collection at one time, one served with the Belgian Seige Guns.

Bryan

[RCN]

Concerning the award of '14 & '14-'15 stars I too have a photo showing some of the crew of HMS Emperor of India wearing their newly issued stars.
They are members of the Torpedo branch. The rate badges are quite clear on their uniforms sleeves. The occasion is the wedding of the Torpedo officer. I estimate the date around 1921 or so, & I expect these are the 1914-15 stars which were issued prior to the issuance of the War & Victory medals.

The CPO on the Officers left is wearing a DSM, 1914-15 star & Naval LS medal. Unfortunately no names! Photo taken by Cassar of Malta.

Bryan

[Batstiger]

I couldn't resist having a quick go at this one!
They are such a happy group. I am presuming the drag lines were for pulling some sort of carriage that the Bride and Groom were using.

[RCN]

Well normally they were used to relay the casket on top of the gun carriage to the final resting place, but in this case I suspect you are correct,

Bryan