The Gallipoli Medal

Hi all
As you know I am away for a couple of days with my husband to attend the celebrations for our son's end of Year 12.   That makes this a good night for a Guest Post.  Tonight we have a post by Marlene.  Enjoy!

Anzac Commemorative Medallion and Badge.

The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted in 1967.  It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916.

Next of kin, or other entitled persons, are entitled to receive the medallion on behalf of their relatives if the medallion has not been issued to the serving person.

The medallion is cast in bronze and is approximately 7.5cm high and 5cm wide.  The obverse of the medallion depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety.  It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC.  The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand, superimposed by the Southern Cross.   The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves.

The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse.  The medallion is issued in a presentation box.

Surviving members were also issued with a lapel badge in the form of a small replica of the medallion to recognise their Gallipoli service.  This badge is not issued to other applicants.

In 2013, whilst researching  information for my family scrapbook, I discovered this Medallion and realised my great uncle would have been eligible to receive it.   I sent off an application, but discovered as I was “only” a great niece, I was not eligible to apply for it.  Given at that point my uncle would have been 120 years old by now, it seemed pretty strange to me that it could only be claimed by his parents (deceased and now about 140) or his wife (deceased and about 120), his children – possible in their 90’s or deceased (he had neither a wife nor children). Given they are obviously all deceased, it could then be claimed by his nieces and nephews.   My auntie (his niece) then applied, but she had to get written approval from her only two surviving cousins, that they were happy for her to claim it.   It took a lot of paperwork back and forth and all signed by JP’s, several phone calls from Canberra to my auntie, but after about 8 months, it finally arrived in the mail.   It is an absolutely beautiful medallion and I am so happy to be the new owner of it.

My great uncle perished and was recorded as missing in action in the great battle of Pozieres in France and his name is on the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Brettoneux.

Marlene Van Zetten – great niece of Lance Sergeant William Turner, no. 1045, 12^th Battalion Infantry.

Thanks for sharing this Marlene.

The following people have posted off quilts and laundry bags this week, according to my records.

Anna
Barbara

Betty

Bev

Carol W

Cindi

Debbie

Deni

Donna P

Grace

Jacky 
Jenny and Gale

Jo B

Joan 

Kate

Kiwi Karen

Linda H

Louise/Beverley

Louise T
Maree J

Melissa R

Dasha

Naomi

Pauline and Elaine

Pennie

Rachel
Rhonda

Robin

Rosemary

Sue P

If you think your name should be on the list and it is not please email me and check with me. 

Just a last reminder. Tomorrow is the second day of my son's Year 12 celebrations and I will have hardly any chance to get to the laptop and answer emails and we have an 8 hour drive home on Saturday so please bear with me if I am not as responsive as usual.  

Till next time...............keep spreading the word and happy stitching.
Jan-Maree xx