An original First World War bronze Memorial Plaque issued in memory of William Arthur Gwilliams.
Soldier Details
| Rank | Private |
| Service No | 3/7768 |
| Regiment | Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) |
| Battalion | 1st Battalion |
| Date of Death | of wounds 13/8/1915 age 24 |
| Born | 1891 Bethnal Green |
| Theatre of War | France & Flanders |
| Father | William (born 1867-1945) |
| Mother | Mary Jane (nee Barret (born 1867-1938) |
| Brothers | Henry George (born 1892-1927) , Richard James (born 1893-1894), Charles Alfred (born 1893-1894) , Bernard (born 1895-1896) ,Albert Edward (born 1899) and Horace Walter (born 1911-1995) |
| Sisters | Lillian May (born 1896-1906) and Mary Jane (born 1901-1901), Rose Maud (born 1904-1989) and Alice Emily (born 1906-1977) |
Research & History
Wife: Mini Rose Gwilliams (nee Dodd) (born 23 APR 1887 – 25 MAR 1941)
Daughters: Rose Lillian A (b1910-1996), Ethel Maud (born 1913-2002)
Son: William Arthur H (born 1914-1991)
This plaque has been researched. Copies of the supporting research are included.
About the Memorial Plaque
The bronze Memorial Plaque was issued after the First World War to the next of kin of service personnel who had died in the conflict. Around 1.3 million were produced.
Each plaque measures 121mm (4.76″) in diameter and weighs approximately 333 grams. Cast in bronze, the design features:
- Britannia holding a laurel wreath in her left hand and a trident in her right.
- An imperial lion standing before her.
- Two dolphins representing Britain’s sea power.
- A second lion tearing apart the eagle emblem of Imperial Germany.
- A rectangular panel bearing the name of the fallen.
No rank was included on the plaque, reflecting the intention that all who died be shown as equal in their sacrifice. The border carries the inscription “He/She Died For Freedom And Honour”.
These plaques are also known as the Dead Man’s Penny, Death Penny, Death Plaque, Widow’s Penny or Memorial Plaque.

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