Medal, 1914-1915 Star, Great Britain, 1918

1914-15 Star medal awarded to Cpl. George Foster, service number 1267, 16th Battalion, A.I.F. Corporal Foster, an immigrant from England, was a 24 year old labourer when he joined at Morphetville, South Australia on 12 September 1914.

George embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT Ceramic on 22 December 1914, bound for Egypt. By September he was able to return to his unit in Mudros, where on 29 October he was promoted to sergeant in the 48th Battalion. He spent several weeks in hospital. He survived there just four months. Corporal George Foster was killed in action on 15 January 1917, at Gueudecourt, near Bapaume, France. He was buried at Grass Lane, Gueudecourt. She later moved to South Australia.

The 1914-15 Star was authorised in 1918 to be awarded to those who saw service between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 (excluding those who were eligible for the 1914 Star) - 2,350,000 were issued. Bronze four point star medal 'ensigned' by a crown. Ribbon is striped in the three colours of the Empire which are shaded and watered. Single pin on back for fastening (not hinged). Obverse: Four pointed star with the top point replaced by a crown with attached loop and ribbon, crossed swords project between the points of the star and at the centre, within an oak wreath, a scroll crossing the swords reads '1914-15'; at the base of the wreath is a large 'G' which encloses a 'V' (King George V). Reverse: Stamped; '1267 CPL. G. FOSTER 16/BN A.I.F.'. Edge: Plain.