Description
Imperial Service Medal, GV, 1911-1920 Star Shape, Walter James Lane, A Hammerman at Portsmouth Dockyard for many years.
Officially engraved on reverse: “Walter J. Lane”
Announced in the London Gazette 5th January 1912.
Walter James Lane was born during 1852 and baptised on 29th February 1852 in Portsea Island, Hampshire.
The son of James and Emily Ann of “Cherry Garden Field”.
1881 Census lists, living at 27 Baker Street, Portsea Island, 29 year old “Hammerman Smiths Shop” with his 4 children, Mother in Law and Brother in Law.
1901 Census lists, 49 year old Smith’s Hammerman with his Wife Eliza and 6 Children, St Marys Road, Portsmouth.
By the 1921 Census, he was a 69 year old Pensioner Hammerman of H.M. Dockyard, living with his Son-in-Law the Collingswoods in Buckland, Portsmouth.
Walter died in Portsmouth during 1930.
The Imperial Service Medal, instituted on 8th August 1902 was first awarded as this 7 sided star shape, alongside the higher grade Imperial Service Order. In 1920 they changed the issue to the more commonly seen small round silver type, this particular variety being issued between 1911 and 1920.
A Civil Servant would be awarded the medal for 25 years of Loyal and Meritorious Service to the Crown upon retirement.
