WW1 British BEF Mons Star Full Size Royal Irish Regiment

The WW1 British BEF Mons Star Full Size Royal Irish Regiment is a campaign medal awarded to British Army personnel who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914. Officially known as the 1914 Star, it was instituted in 1917 and is commonly referred to as the Mons Star in reference to early actions of the British Expeditionary Force, including the Battle of Mons. The medal is a bronze four-pointed star with crossed swords, issued in full size and suspended from a red, white, and blue ribbon. This example is attributed to a member of the Royal Irish Regiment, a historic infantry regiment with notable service during the opening months of the First World War. The reverse of the medal typically features the recipient’s service number, rank, name, and regiment. The Mons Star is a significant piece of military history, symbolizing participation in the initial engagements of the conflict.