Anzac Medallion Announced

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31321, 17 March 1967, Page 1

Anzac Medallion Announced

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 16.

The survivors of the Anzac troops who fought in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War, and the families of those who died there, will receive an Anzac commemorative medallion — 52 years after the historic battle.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) announced today that arrangements had now been made for the production and distribution of the Anzac commemorative medallion and lapel badge. Mr Holyoake said: “I announced last August that New Zealand and Australia were to honour in this way the deeds of those who took part in that campaign. “Now the final details of design have been settled and the conditions of eligibility worked out This is in full consultation with the Gallipoli veterans themselves.”

The Ministry of Defence would make an announcement as soon as the medallions and badges arrived from the manufacturers, he said. With Australia

“The Government is pleased to join with the Australian Government in special recognition of veterans of the Gallipoli campaign,” said Mr Holyoake.

The Anzac commemorative medallion was designed by Mr Raymond Ewers, an Australian artist. It will be 3in high and 2in wide.

The front of the medallion shows Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety. It will be bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word “Anzac.” The reverse side shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross super-imposed The lower half will be bordered by New Zealand fern leaves. The lapel badge will be a miniature replica of the obverse of the medallion. Next Of Kin Those eligible for the medallion and lapel badge will be all the surviving members of those forces who actually embarked for the landing on the Gallipoli peninsula. The next of kin will be eligible to receive the medallion only on behalf of relatives entitled to receive it who died on active service or have since died.

All applications for the medallion and lapel badge should be addressed to the Deputy-Secretary of Defence, Army Headquarters, Wellington, and should give as many details of service as possible.