Great Britain - World War I - British War Medal - 1918 - Silver - Edge Engraving The British War Medal 1914-1920, authorized in 1919, was awarded to eligible service personnel and civilians alike. Qualification for the award varied slightly according to service. The basic requirement for army personnel and civilians was that they either entered a theatre of war, or rendered approved service overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Service in Russia in 1919 and 1920 also qualified for the award. This silver medal bears the inscription "21198 PTE T Whitaker . York . R"