GALLIPOLI MEDALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 6

GALLIPOLI MEDALS.

PLEA FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION. (To the Editor.) While upholding a good deal of what "otli Conn. Hanger" states in regard to the above subject, I understand the 1914-15 Star, as issued to Australian and New Zealand troops,, is the exact replica of the so-called Mons Star, except that it has 1914-15 instead of "Mons" on the obverse side, the ribbons being the same in both cases. The chief grievance is that all New Zealand troops who had left New Zealand before a certain time (from memory it was midnight, January 31, 1915) received the above Star, irrespective of whether they had seen action or not. While not disparaging their service in any way, I would point out that, there were no line of demarcation. All medals without bars, or some distinguishing mark,, lose their value. The Imperial Government, and, failing them, the New Zealand Government, should at least sanction a bar for all men who actually landed on Gallipoli, or some distinguishing mark euch as the capital letter "A," as worn, by the "Aussies." For, in spite of the fact that it may have been a defeat ia one way, it was nevertheless a wonderful feat of arms and worthy of recognition. The various divisions kept a large army occupied and a,t bay who would undoubtedly have been utilised on the Western Front. ONE OF THEM.