commemorative medal, R.M.S. Lusitania, 1915
Object numberI3843a-b
Titlecommemorative medal, R.M.S. Lusitania, 1915
DescriptionBoxed British copy of Herman Goetz' commemorative medal, issued to mark the circumstances of the sinking of the Cunard liner RSM Lusitania in May 1915. British copies of the piece were subsequently struck on the instructions of British Naval intelligence and widely distributed as part of a concerted anti-German propaganda campaign.
Shortly after 2:10 pm on Friday 7 May 1915 in fine clear weather off the Old Head of Kinsale (a headland on southern coast of Ireland), the Cunard liner Lusitania (30,396 tons) was hit amidships by a torpedo. She was struck without warning and sank in a matter of twenty minutes. According to the latest evidence, 1,201 men, women and children were lost. Of these fatalities 128 were American citizens. The U20, the German submarine which fired the torpedo, circled the sinking ship then fled the scene, reaching its base at Wilhelmshaven on 13 May.
Production date 1915 - 1915
Production periodWorld War I
Object namemedal, commemorative
Dimensions
- medal diameter: 5.5 cm