Death Penny

This type of plaque, commonly known as the 'death penny' was presented to the relatives of those killed during World War 1. It shows Britannia and a lion standing on an eagle. The dolphin refers to the naval power of the British.

This particular penny belonged to the relatives of William Dodd, a 26 year old soldier who went missing in July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. He enlisted in November 1914 and was drafted to the front in July 1915 when he served as a private in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.

William was one of three soldier brothers, all of whom worked at Abram Coal Company prior to the outbreak of war. His younger brother, Seargent Robert Dodd, aged 22, was wounded in his ankle on the 7 April 1917 and was sent to Huddersfield Convalescent Hospital. His other brother, Charles, was killed in action on the 8 June 1917.  

Their story was reported in the Wigan Observer on the 21 June 1917.

Unfortunately, William Dodd has no known grave as his body was never recovered. However, his name is engraved and remembered on the Thiepval memorial in France.

Source:

Wigan Observer 16 September 1916

Wigan Observer 21 July 1917