Summary

Anzac commemorative medallion (in case) awarded to Pte. George Walter Connell, service number 1924, 5th Battalion, A.I.F. in 1967 to mark the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli.

Private Connell was born in Daylesford, Victoria. He was a labourer when he joined on 8 January 1915 aged 18 years and he embarked for service in July 1915. Connell was wounded in action at Gallipoli on 20 November 1915. He then rejoined his unit but suffered a gunshot wound to head on 29 November 1915 so returned to Australia. He was discharged in August 1916. In 1967 he 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 medal 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 depicts a relief map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed; the wreath below is a New Zealand Fern and the plaque is engraved G.W. CONNELL.

Obverse Description

Circular bronze medal 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, 1915; the wreath below is laurel and the plaque carries the word, ANZAC.

Reverse Description

Circular bronze medal with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base. A relief map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed; the wreath below is a New Zealand Fern and the plaque is engraved G.W. CONNELL.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The 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.

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