A specially minted, limited edition, medallion commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1 has been produced by Isle of Man Stamps and Coins. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go to the Isle of Man branch of the Royal British Legion. The medallion, which is available in a presentation box with a commemorative stamp, pays tribute to all of the Manx men and women involved in the conflict. Only 750 medallions have been made. On one side it bears the inscription ‘Lest we forget – The Great War 1914-1918’ – and on the other ‘2014 – The Manx nation remembers’.
The stamp is postmarked August 4, 2014. On August 3, 1914, Britain had given an ultimatum to Germany to withdraw its troops from Belgium by midnight (central European time) the following day. When the ultimatum passed unheeded, Britain and her empire declared war on Germany on August 4 at 11pm GMT. A total of 8,261 men and women from the Isle of Man enlisted in the armed forces during the 1914-1918 war. 82.6 per cent of the Island’s male population enlisted which meant that virtually every family on the Island at that time had at least one relative serving in the armed forces. By the end of the war on November 11, 1918, a total 1,165 Manxmen had lost their lives, and 950 had been wounded.
Each commemorative medallion includes a certificate of authenticity endorsed by Hector Duff MM BEM, President of the Onchan branch of the Royal British Legion. Mr Duff, a Second World War veteran who took part in the D-Day landings in 1944, commented:
“I think this is wonderful. A very fitting tribute to all the men of our Island who left our shores to a place very much unknown to them, many never to return, and even more with scars which they had to bear for the rest of their lives. This is especially good for our young people who can take pride in the contribution their families made to bring peace to the world in 1918.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said:
“The medallion and stamp are poignant tributes to the many Manx men and women who served during World War 1. One hundred years on from the outbreak of the war, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins is very proud to play its own part in helping to remember and honour the sacrifices they made. We also wanted to support the good work which the Royal British Legion continues to do in support of all former servicemen and servicewomen, and are extremely grateful for the support from the Isle of Man branch of the charity.”
This latest World War 1 commemorative issue complements a number of other Isle of Man Stamps and Coins collections which remember those who served in 1914-18 conflict. The collections include a World War 1 Christmas Day Truce Crown, and a World War 1 Horse No Man’s Land Crown. Earlier this year a commemorative crown was also issued to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1944.
Pre-orders for the World War 1 Commemorative Medallion can be made at https://www.iompost.com/stamps-coins/collection/ or by phoning 698430, or by calling in to the Regent Street Post Office in Douglas. It is available in two presentation options – in a pouch (priced ?12.50) or in a presentation box with a stamp (priced ?22.50). Both versions include a certificate of authenticity.
Photo - The Isle of Man Stamps and Coins limited edition medallion commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1, with the presentation box, stamp and certificate of authenticity.
