LONG-SERVICE MEDALS

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 22

LONG-SERVICE MEDALS

OFFICERS DECORATED An interesting ceremony took place on the parade ground of the Central Buttery on the 27th, when Lieutenant-colonel N. S. Falla. C.M.G., D. 5.0., Commanding ihe Third Brigade, N.Z.A., presented three long-service medals. The 14ill Battery (bin Howitzer), under Lieutenant V. G. Jones, paraded at a strength of 130, and marched past the dais—where Lieutenant-colonel Falla took the salute —first in column of fours and then in column of sections to tlio music of the Artillery Baud. Southern Command (late Coast Defence). The troops then paraded in front of the dais, and the officers to be decorated look up their position in front of the troops. Addressing the Battery, Lieutenantcolonel Flalla said it was a great pleasure to him to have the privilege that night of presenting long-service decorations to certain of their officers, past and present. lie appreciated the honour very much indeed—a good deal because he understood full well Ihe long years of service which had gone lo the earning of there awards. He would read to them the services of the officers concerned in order to make his remarks all the more pointed. The records were as follows: Presentation of Medals to Officers of the New Zealand Garrison Artillery, Late No. 2 Company, N.Z.G.A. Colonial Auxiliary Finces Officer's Decoration. Captain J. li. Crawford. Length of service in the ranks three years, length of service as an officers 20 years 10 months 7 days;—total service, 23 years 10 months 7 days. Enlisted January 8, 1886. Posted to Reserve on June 3, 1919. This officer’s total serv.ee has been with the No. 2 Company. N.Z. Garrison Artillery. Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long-service Medal. Lieutenant J. ('. Braiihwaite. Length of service in ranks 7 years 25 days, length of service as an officer 14 years 181 days; total service, 21 years 206 days. Enlisted December 31. 1897. Posted to Reserve June 4. 1919. This officer’s total service has been with (he No. 2 Company, N.Z. I la .-ris-in Artil'orv. New Zealand Service Medal. C a.:,tain G. F. M'Kellar. South African war 160 days 1 cunt, J ibinhle). 320 days; We’l'ingtnli Gal' risen Ai'iillery Company 3 years 113 days, No. 2 < 'oiiipaiiv. Garrison Artillery. Dunedin, 9 years 144 days; total service. 13 years 212 days. Enlisted December 18, 1908; slill serving. Lieut. tic) nI-colin, I Falla then pinned the decorations on Ihe broads of the respective officers, and the parade was dismissed.