Summary

Anzac commemorative lapel badge awarded to Pte. George Walter Connell, service number 1924, 5 Battalion A.I.F., in 1967.

Private George Walter Connell was born in Daylesford, Victoria. He was a labourer when he joined on 8 January 1915, aged 18 years. Connell embarked in July 1915. He was wounded in action in Gallipoli on 20 November 1915. He then rejoined his unit but suffered a gunshot wound to head on 29 November 1915. He returned to Australia and was discharged in August 1916. In 1967 Connell was living at 3 Vail St, Prahran.

In March 1967 the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Harold Holt, announced that a commemorative medallion and badge was to be issued to surviving members of the Australian Defence Force 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.

Physical Description

A circular bronze centre with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base. The obverse featured Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety; in the field above, 1915; the wreath below is laurel and the plaque carries the word, ANZAC. The reverse has a lapel badge attachment and is engraved G.W. CONNELL.

Obverse Description

Bronze with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base. At centre, Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety; in the field above, 915 the wreath below is laurel and the plaque carries the word, NZAC

Reverse Description

Engraved .W. CONNELLand has badge attachment.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

A commemorative medallion and badge was to be issued to surviving members of the Australian Defence Force 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. The medal could be claimed by surviving family but the badge could only be claimed by a person who served in the Gallipoli campaign.

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