ORDERS AND MEDALS ON DISPLAY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28930, 25 June 1959, Page 15

ORDERS AND MEDALS ON DISPLAY

The collection of regalia illustrated is part of a brilliant assembly of more than 360 orders, decorations and medals which the‘Army has assembled for display in the window of the Christchurch department store. They have been brought from Wellington security vaults specially for the display which has been organised by Southern Military District headquarters. The collection shown was owned by General Sir Alexander Godley who was chosen to organise New Zealand compulsory military training service in 1910. Later, General Godley com-

manded the original New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the Ist and 2nd A.N.Z.A.C. Corps. An inscription on the blade of the ceremonial sword reads: “From the people of New Zealand in grateful appreciation for ser- 1 vices rendered in the cause of universal military training. October. 1914."

The central piece in the display above the crossed sword and scabbard is the star and sash badge of a Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Bath, Military Division.

On either side are the epaulettes of an aide-de-camp-general to King George V.

- Another group of awards to be shown is a case of foreign decorations of Major-General Sir Andrew Russell. The 16 orders, decorations and medals awarded to the late Major-General Sir Howard Kippenberger will also be on display. They were presented to the New Zealand Division by Lady Kippenberger. The largest group will contain 320 Commonwealth medals. It is the private collection of Captain G. T. Stagg, Royal New Zealand Artillery, who is an official medal collector.