GALLIPOLI DECORATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 46, 22 February 1918, Page 5

GALLIPOLI DECORATION.

CAPTAIN BEAN'S SUGGESTION. (Commonwealth Official Correspondent.) LONDON, February 17. It is stated here that the question of the Gallipoli star is being , now discussed between. Britain, Australia, and Neiv Zealand. The sentiment of the Australian troops appears to be strongly to make it a simple, straight-out medal for service in the Gallipoli campaign. Otherwise Australians will run the risk of having a system of overlapping. j'H-fit-ting decorations—first a red chevron on the sleeve for those sailing in. 1914. second a Gallipoli star for service in 1914 and presence at the landing; third, a brass "A" on the arm (meaning presence at Anzac). It would be far more •warmly approved if the issue were one of a simple medal for the Gallipoli campaign, abolish the brass "A" altogether,, and leave the red chevron to mark men sailing in 1914. If desired mark the I landing. This could be done with a bar. | another for August fighting , , and a third bar for the evacuation. A special recognition, however, for the landing would be considered by many as unjust unless a similar mark were given for other big engagements; for example, Pozieres, which was undoubtedly a still harder and more terrible fight. The simple system above outlined ■would be considered by far the most just by the troops. Also, a supreme service medal for all men who died would be most warmly ■welcomed, but preferably., it should be «f Australian, detica. v.