*British, WW1, Mercantile Marine War Medal with Original Board of Trade Documents – Fireman C. Hack, Merchant Service*
Original First World War Mercantile Marine War Medal, officially awarded to Fireman C. Hack, Merchant Service, complete with an exceptional group of original accompanying documents. The medal is correctly fitted with its original red, white, and green ribbon and is officially impressed on the rim “C. HACK”, a naming style consistent with Mercantile Marine issues.
The group includes the original Board of Trade “Authority to Wear War Medals for the Mercantile Marine” certificate (Form W.M.2), issued under Royal authority, bearing official stamps from the Southampton Board of Trade Marine Department, dated 22 September 1919 and later endorsed 24 May 1921. Also present is the original Mercantile Marine War Medal issue envelope and loose original ribbon remnants.
This is a well-documented and intact Mercantile Marine entitlement group, rarely encountered with its original paperwork surviving together.
Historical Note:
Charles Hack is recorded in the National Roll of the Great War as “Hack, C., Fireman, Merchant Service”, residing at 1 Hornswell Gardens, Southampton. He volunteered in September 1914 and served throughout the war in various vessels on the high seas, being chiefly employed on transports and hospital ships in many waters. His service included participation in the evacuation of the Dardanelles, one of the most significant and hazardous maritime operations of the war.
The Roll records that he rendered valuable services for the whole period of the war and was demobilised in March 1920, being entitled to both the Mercantile Marine War Medal and the British War Medal. His service reflects the vital and often overlooked contribution of Merchant Navy firemen, who worked under extreme conditions below decks, maintaining steam power while exposed to enemy action, mines, and submarine attack.
The accompanying Board of Trade certificate confirms official authorisation to wear both medals and provides a strong documentary link between the medal and the named recipient, firmly anchoring the group to Fireman Hack’s wartime service from Southampton, one of Britain’s most important wartime ports.
*Condition*
The medal displays honest period wear with a deep, untouched bronze patina and light verdigris visible around the suspension, consistent with long-term age. Rim naming remains clear and legible. The original ribbon shows age-related wear and fraying, with additional original ribbon segments present.
The Board of Trade certificate is complete and legible, with folds, toning, and edge wear commensurate with age, and retains clear official stamps and signatures. The original issue envelope shows expected fragility, creasing, and losses but remains an important survivor. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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