Lives of the First World War

This is a photo of John taken at the top of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh c.1932

The medal to the left is The Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to military personnel who served in South Africa during the Second Boer War from 11 October 1899 to 31 May 1902. The clasps read upwards Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal. The medal to the right is the King's South Africa Medal. The recipients had to have served in the theatre of war between January 1902 and 31 May 1902 and completed 18 months service in the conflict. The clasps read upwards South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.

From left these are The 1914 Star awarded to those who had served in France or Belgium between 5th August 1914 to midnight on 22nd November 1914 inclusive. The award was open to officers and men of the British Expeditionary Forces. The clasp bears the dates '5th August - 22nd November 1914' and shows that the recipient had actually served under fire of the enemy during that period. John's service number, rank, name and unit are impressed on the back. The British War Medal, 1914 -18 awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who entered a theatre of war between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. The Allied Victory Medal. John's service number, rank, name and unit are impressed on the rim of the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal.

Reverse image of the medals.

This is the dog tag worn by my grandfather during WW1 giving his name, rank,service number, regiment and religion.

Full bar of medals awarded to my grandfather.

This image shows a piece of shrapnel removed from the head of John Thomas Wade after the war. He had it mounted in the eagles claw and wore it on his watch chain.

Outer image of the missal owned by my grandfather and with him during WW1.

Front page inscription in missal showing my grandfather's name, rank, unit and service number.