The prize-winning design - a description

Edward Carter Preston's prize-winning design (the Imperial War Museum holds an original model in plaster, catalogue reference MEDP/3) comprises the figure of Britannia, classically robed and helmeted, standing facing right, holding a modest laurel wreath crown in her extended left hand and supporting a trident by her right side with her right arm and hand. In the foreground a male lion stands facing right; the animal was originally described as 'striding forward in a menacing attitude' which may explain its unusually low profile.

'Menacing' or otherwise, the proportions of the beast, earlier queried by Sir Frederick Ponsonby (on behalf of King George V), deeply upset many including the officials at Bristol's Clifton Zoo.18 Above the lion's head was a blank rectangular panel in which the name of the deceased would 'by an ingenious method of casting' be inserted. To the right of Britannia's head and by the side of her right arm is a small sinuous dolphin, a reference to British sea-power and one that recalls the use of that same animal (in the singular) by Pegram in his prize-winning Jutland medallion.

At the lower right edge is a branch of oakleaves and acorns. The standard text is arranged around the edge of the piece: 'HE+DIED+FOR+FREEDOM+ +AND+HONOUR'. Within the exergue, in symbolic confrontation, a lion pounces on an eagle: a reference to the desired destruction of the Central Powers. Incorporated from Carter Preston's second model entry the exergue's contents had necessitated a personal interview between Sir Charles Holmes and the artist in London in January 1918. The original concern of Sir Charles Henry MP at the last meeting of the General Committee was that the German eagle should not appear too hopelessly humiliated. He argued that the imagery was anticipatory and potentially unhelpful with regard to future, post-war relations - admirable sentiments which were reiterated by Charles Marriott in the April 1918 issue of Land and Water. On the mass-produced plaques made available for distribution E Carter Preston's initials were embossed above the lion's right forepaw and a number (possibly an operative's or Ministry of Munitions factory number) was impressed by the animal's right rear paw.