MEDAL FOR ANZACS

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 44, 20 February 1918, Page 8

MEDAL FOR ANZACS

It is stated here that the question of a Gallipoli Star is being now discussed between Britain, Australia, and New Zealand (writes Mr. 0. -E. W. Bean, Commonwealth Official Correspondent, from London, on the 6th inst.). 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 would run the risk of having a system'of overlapping, ill-fitting decorations—first a red chevron on the sleeve for those sailing in 1914 ; second, the Gallipoli Star for service in 1914 and presence at the landing ; and third, a brass A on'the arm, meaning presence at Anzac. They would far more warmly approve the issue of ons simple medal for the Gallipoli campaign, abolish the brass A altogether) and leave the red chevron as a mark for men sailing in 1914. If it was desired to mark the landing this could be done with a bar, and there could be another bar for the August fighting, and a. third bar for the evacuation.

Special recognition, however, for the landing would be considered: by many unjust, unless a similar mark was given for other big engagements, . for example Pozieres, which, undoubtedly was a still harder and more terrible fight. The simple system above outlined would be considered by far the most,just by the troupe. Also the supreme service medal, for all men who have died, would be most "warmly welcomed, but the* we«W pt'&fe? ft ts> be ef Au««tlla,n design.