Framed Memorial Plaque And Medals For An HMS Bittern Sailor WW1

The Memorial Plaque was issued after the First World War to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war.

Nice framed full-length picture of Leading Stoker Harold John Thompson with his citation and Memorial Plaque, included are 2 Indian Abstinence Medals. 1 from the Army Temperance Association, and 1 from the Total Abstinence Association.

The Total Abstinence Society was established in India in 1862. As implied by the organization’s name it was intended to promote the abstinence of alcohol consumption. I believe that this specific society was a forerunner of the slightly later Army Temperance Association of India which was established in 1897 as both organizations issued virtually identical medals with only a variation in wording between the two. These medals did not receive Royal sanction for wear but are often seen being worn on a soldier’s right breast in period photographs.

HMS Bittern sank in 1918 after a collision in the English Channel. JAQSAHOXBGOXZA