A MILITARY museum is hoping to gather 100 medals to mark the centenary of a First World War battle.

The Friends of The Herefordshire Regimental Museum are looking for the 1914/15 star medal, which was awarded to the county's men who fought at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli in 1915.

They currently have around 80 of the medals and would like to reach their target of 100 to display them next August to mark 100 years since the battle.

Museum curator Colonel Andy Taylor said: "It is the 100th anniversary of the landing at Suvla Bay in August next year. I believe getting the 100 medals is achievable.

"It is going to be a bit of a challenge, which will make it more rewarding."

The medal is a bronze star which has 1914-15 written on the front and a red, white and blue ribbon.

On the back of the medal is the recipient's number, name, rank and regiment.

About 1,250 men from the First Battalion of the Herefordshire Regiment fought at Gallipoli and there were 80 fatalities between the landing in August and the evacuation in December.

Many men were also evacuated wounded and through illness caused by the hard and insanitary conditions.

When the battalion was evacuated on December 12, there were only 89 fit soldiers.

The battalion had fought with great distinction and its actions were brought to the attention of the commander in chief, Sir Ian Hamilton.

Colonel Taylor would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any information about the Herefords and their time at Gallipoli, especially if the soldiers' medals could be made available for the commemorations next year which are planned for August 8 and 9.

Call Colonel Taylor on 01432 853261.

Hereford Times: Woodland Trust