Reproduction Pip, Squeak and Wilfred Medals - Full-Size

Pip, Squeak and Wilfred were characters in a comic strip which first appeared in the "DAILY MIRROR" newspaper on the 12th of May 1919. Pip was a dog, Squeak a penguin and Wilfred was a rabbit. Pip and Squeak were portrayed as being Wilfred's parents and there was also an additional supporting cast. The comic strip was extremely popular and became a craze in the 20's.

After the First World War 1914-18, three medals were awarded to most of the British servicemen that had served from 1914 or 1915. They were the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and either the 1914 Star or the 1914-15 Star. The issue of these medals coincided with the start of the comic strip craze and the three medals soon became known as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, and are still so to this day.

Pip - 1914 Star

Branch of Service: British forces

Description: A crowned four-pointed star was crossed swords and a wreath of oak leaves, having the royal cypher at the foot and a central scroll inscribed AUG NOV 1914.

Ribbon: Watered silk red, white and blue

Comments: This medal was awarded to those who saw service in France and Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914.

Squeak - British War Medal

Branch of Service: British and imperial forces

Description: (Obverse) the uncrowned left-facing profile of King George V, text around GEORGIVS V BRITT MN REX ET IND IMP; (Reverse) St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers and a skull and cross-bones. Above, the sun has risen in victory.

Ribbon: Orange centre with stripes of white and black at each side and borders of royal blue

Comments: This medal was awarded to all members of the armed forces, 1914-18, in recognition of their arduous services in bringing the war to a successful conclusion. It was also awarded for service in Russia in 1919-20 and for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11th November 1918 and 30th November 1919.

Wilfred - Victory Medal

Branch of Service: British forces

Description: (Obverse) the standing figure of Victory holding a palm branch in her right hand and stretching out with her left hand; (Reverse) a laurel wreath containing the four line inscription THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919.

Ribbon: Double rainbow (indigo at edges and red in centre)

Comments: This medal was awarded to all services of the British armed forces that had already received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was often known as the Allied War Medal because the same basic design and double rainbow ribbon were adopted by thirteen other allied nations.