This medal is a reproduction, made by the British Government during World War I, of the Lusitania Medal. The original iron medal was made by German medallist Karl Goetz, and marked the sinking of the English passenger and cargo liner Lusitania on 7 May 1917. The intention of the original designer was to condemn the British and the Cunard Line for endangering the lives of civilians in order to make a profit. However the medal, and the incorrect date printed on it, was seized on by British authorities who produced 300,000 copies of it as part of an effective counter propaganda campaign to highlight German "frightfulness".