FIRST RUSSIAN AWARD

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24414, 14 November 1944, Page 6

FIRST RUSSIAN AWARD

MEDAL FOR CHRISTCHURCH SOLDIER GALLANTRY IN JUGOSLAVIA The first Russian decoration to be awarded to a New Zealand soldier m this war has arrived in the Dominion from the Soviet Unipn. It is the Soviet Medal for Valour, and was awarded to Second-Lieutenant J. Denvir, D.C.M., of Christchurch, who fought in Marshal Broz’s partisan forces in Jugoslavia, and rose to the rank of brigadier. . , , The medal, which is to be presented to Second-Lieutenant Denvir on a suitable occasion to be arranged, was awarded on the recommendation of Russian liaison officers attached to Marshal Broz’s headquarters. It is belieVed to be only the second Russian decoration gained by a New Zealander in this war. The Order of Lenin was awarded to Group Captain H. N. G. Ramsbottom-Isherwood, of Blenheim, who led the first Hurricane wing of the Royal Air Force sent to Russia. Information forwarded with the medal states that the insignia of the Medal for Valour has been conferred on Second-Lieutenant Denvir by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in recognition of distinguished service in the cause of the Allies. The obverse of the medal bears a Russian tank in relief with three aeroplanes flying overhead. The medal ribbon is a wide band of grey with narrow bands of bright blue on each side. Free Tram Rides The Soviet Medal for Valour is probably one of the few medals in the world that entitles the holder to free tram rides. A small red booklet with stiff covers was enclosed with the medal, and a translation of the contents made in Christchurch shows that it is the certificate authorising the holder to wear the medal as from April 1, 1944, and entitling him to a grant of 10 roubles a month, and free passage on all tramways in all cities of the Soviet Union. Presumably the grant and the free tram rides are made for life, as another booklet with the medal contains a five years’ supply of coupons worth 10 roubles each, the money being .payable at any savings bank in the Soviet Union. Bank officials in Christchurch were unable to give much information about Russian finances and currency when inquiries were made yesterday, but they believe that Second-Lieu-tenant Denvir will be able to draw the money without having to present the coupons at a Russian savings bank. Value of Rouble The latest information available concerning the rouble is that it has a nominal value of 2g Igd, although in 1939 the exchange rate in London was 23.58 to 24.87 roubles to £1 sterling. It is believed that there have not been any considerable currency fluctuations in Russia since the war began, and at present the rouble should be worth approximately 2s 6d in New Zealand money. .

Reference books give very little information about decorations after the overthrow of the Tsarist regime, and since the war with Germany several new ones have been instituted. It is believed, however, that the Medal fof Valour stands high among Russian' decorations for gallantry. Several Royal Air Force officers have received the medal jn recent months. Permission to accept and to wear the medal is granted, as in the case of other foreign decorations, by the King.