I’ve written before about my relative (first cousin, thrice removed) Peter Gaffaney, who died during World War I. A couple of years ago I met some members from that side of the family, who very kindly gave me photos of Peter’s war medals and his memorial plaque (commonly referred to as a “Dead Man’s Penny”). So often these items are lost or sold on, and it was wonderful to know that Peter’s had been kept and treasured in the family.
Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Peter Michael Gaffaney
Peter’s service record shows that his medals were issued to his brother Vincent, noted as his legatee.
Memorial plaque, Peter Michael Gaffaney, died 1918 in France.
Memorial plaques were issued to the next-of-kin of British and Empire servicemen and women who died as a result of the First World War. They were issued along with a commemorative scroll and letter, though sometimes these were sent separately. Peter’s scroll was sent on 13 June 1921, and his plaque on 16 Feb 1922.
Plaque and Scroll despatch, from service record of Peter Michael Gaffaney 24/431
Lest we forget
Brigid Short
Hi Maggie
So wonderful to read all your posts on the Gaffaneys.
My mothers maiden name was Gaffaney (born 1936) and her father was Francis Gaffaney. (married Annie) It has inspired me to get a full family tree completed as I’m getting in a muddle with the info I have so far!!
Brigid Short
Maggie
Hi Brigid, lovely to hear from you, and thanks for your comments! A cousin of yours has done some work on Francis’s side of the family, and my father has recently completed a book about several generations of the family. It can be a bit muddling with the two brothers and their many children, and they weren’t very creative in choosing the names, it seems. Will be in touch – Maggie