Birmingham Special Constabulary Water Works Guard Medal 1917-18. Bronze, unnamed as issued

The Birmingham Watch Committee approved the issue of this 'Home Front' War Service medal on 5 December 1918, for award to members of the Birmingham Special Constabulary who had been deployed as 'Water Work Guards' 1917-18The water works and dam depicted on the medal is the Foel Tower located in the Elan Valley of Wales, and where 2 x officers and 25 x constables were permanently stationed. Just over 800 x other 'War Works Guards variously patrolled the installations located across the full 75 x miles route The water supply to Birmingham was sourced from Wales - 75 x miles away. A force of uniformed, and armed, guards was recruited and deployed in 1917-18 to guard the water works and water works supply lineThe medal was awarded to the Special Constables who were deployed as Water Work Guards at any time during the years 1917-1918Reverse of the suspension brooch retaining its original long hinged pin and clasp fittings as issuedWhen worn in full-dress uniform, the medal was 'pinned' to the tunic 'sans' ribandReference 'A Guide Medal & Awards to British Police by Local Authorities of the United Kingdom (David Picton-King, 2020) it is estimated that between 700-850 x medals may have been issuedCondition: GVF