Ernest John Barnes Medals:
They are from left to right (front view): the 1914/15 Star, the British Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1939-45 Defence Medal. The fifth medal is a Special Constabulary Long Service Medal (instituted on 30th August 1919). Ernest John Barnes joined the Metropolitan Police as a Special Constable on the 15th September 1939, warrant number 21981. The Special Constabulary Long Service medal was awarded for 9 years unpaid service with more than 50 duties per annum. War service with at least 50 duties counted triple, i.e. awarded after 3 years service. The Metropolitan Police records indicate that my grandfather served with 'W' Division until he resigned on the 23rd November 1943. Due to wartime constraints, only the ribbon was issued at the time. The actual medal was issued after the war - My grandfathers' medal is of the type issued between 1949 and 1952. Rollover the picture to see the back of the medals.
