Memorial plaque
This object relates to the service of William Rawlings and Richard Kirby.
More than 60,000 Australians died during the First World War. In an effort to provide grief-stricken families with some comfort, these memorial plaques were issued to the next of kin of those who died serving the British Empire. The plaque bears an image of “Britannia”, a lion, and the inscription: “He died for freedom and honour.” Each plaque also included the individual’s name as part of the design.
How do you think the families of Lance Corporal Richard Kirby and Private William Rawlings may have felt about receiving a memorial plaque?