Notes:

NOTE 1./ Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Casualty Details
Name: JACOBS, GEORGE WILLIAM
Initials: G W
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Engineers
Age: 41
Date of Death: 11/10/1943
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Jacobs; husband of Marjorie M. Jacobs, of London.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 202: Sec. G. South Grave.
Cemetery: LONDON (WOODLAND) CEMETERY

NOTE 2./ British Meritorious Service Medal MSM ( Awarded to George W. Jacobs )

TERMS
Years: 21 years service (awarded after discharge)
Service: Permanent forces.
Ranks: Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs
Dates: 1902 to 1958 if enrolled before 01 September 1939
Bar: For additional acts of Gallantry.

The medal was awarded to Warrant Officers and senior NCOs (Sergeant or above), who were discharged after 21 years service (18 if disabled), and had earned the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. The award was limited to 40 who could wear it at any given time. The number was increased to 75 in 1928 and to 100 in 1939. The medal was awarded for valuable and meritorious service.

FOR GALLANTRY
In 1916, the MSM was awarded to all ranks:

duly recommended for the grant in respect of gallant conduct in the performance of military duty otherwise than in action against the enemy, or in saving, or attempting to save the life of an officer or soldier, or for devotion to duty in a theatre of war.
The gallantry portion was cancelled on 07 September 1928 because the British Empire Medal now served this purpose. The King's Regulations and Order's of 1939 listed the MSM and stated that it could be awarded to a soldier of the active militia who is recommended on account of gallant conduct in the performance of military duty (not necessarily on active service) or in saving or attempting to save the life of an officer or soldier, or for devotion to duty in a theatre of war.

DESCRIPTION
A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.

OBVERSE
King Edward VII: An effigy in Field Marshal's uniform, facing left, and the legend; EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR
King George V:
(a) An effigy in Field Marshal's uniform, facing left, and the legend: GEORGIVS V BRITT : OMN : REX ET IND : IMP :
(b) A crowned coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend: GEORGIVS * V * D * G * BRITT * OMN REX * ET * INDIAE * IMP *
King George VI: A bareheaded effigy, facing left, and one of the legends: (a) GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN :REX ET INDIAE IMP:
(b) GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA ; BRITT :OMN : REX FID : DEF :
Queen Elizabeth II: A bareheaded effigy, facing right, and the legend: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA

REVERSE
The reverse displays the inscription FOR / MERITORIOUS / SERVICE in three lines, encircled by two laurel leaves (tied at the bottom with a bow and separated at the top by an Imperial Crown). King Edward VII and King George V medals bear the word CANADA above the crown.

MOUNTING
An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal with a single-toe claw.

NAMING
The recipient's rank, name, and regiment are engraved around the rim.

RIBBON
The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide. Because the ribbon was the same as that for the VC, white edge stripes (0.125" wide) were added in 1916; and in 1917 a narrow white central stripe was added.

ISSUED
The number of medals issued to Canadians, are as follows:
For Service: 275
For Gallantry:1430

NOTE 3./ The Year Was 1902
The year was 1902 and America was on the brink of war with Germany over a crisis in Venezuela. Venezuela had defaulted on loans from Britain and Germany and in 1902 the two countries set up a blockade of Venezuelan ports. Fearing that Germany was going to use the conflict as an excuse to obtain Venezuelan real estate, American president, Theodore Roosevelt, dispatched Admiral George Dewey and much of the American naval force to the Caribbean on "maneuvers." Invoking the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt made it clear through diplomatic channels that Germany should submit to arbitration negotiated by the U.S. or face military action. Germany agreed to arbitration with less than twenty-four hours left before the deadline; the blockade ended in February of 1903.

In Africa, the Second Boer War came to an end with the Treaty at Vereeniging. The Boers gave up their independence in exchange for a general amnesty, protection of the Dutch language, economic considerations, and eventual self-government.

As the winter of 1902 approached, the United States was worried about having enough fuel. Most homes were heated by coal around the turn of the century, and a coal miners' strike in Pennsylvania had been going on since May. By October the situation was critical. President Roosevelt took the unprecedented step of inviting the United Mine Workers union and mine operators to the White House to negotiate a deal. The miners wanted a raise, shorter hours, and a recognized union. The initial meeting failed to end the strike and Roosevelt had to threaten to send in military forces to operate the mines. Everyone would lose if that happened, and the threat pushed both sides to compromise. The workers got a 10 percent raise and shorter hours, but the union was still not recognized.

An avid hunter, Roosevelt went hunting in November of 1902 in Mississippi. Since he wasn't having any luck, one of his hosts tied a bear to a tree for him to shoot. Not willing to shoot the tethered creature, he told his benefactors to "Spare the bear." Later a popular cartoon depicted the event and an enterprising couple in Brooklyn, New York, created a soft bear toy--Teddy's Bear. The stuffed bear was a huge hit and teddy bears continue to delight children all over the world.

Family/Spouse: Marjorie May WILKINS. Marjorie (daughter of Joseph Henry WILKINS and Lillian Elizabeth YOUNG) was born on 21 May 1904 in London , Ontario, Canada; died on 28 Jan 1997 in London, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 31 Jan 1997 in Woodland, London (Section G,H,I,O) Middlesex London MX-152-3. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]