Summary

Anzac commemorative medallion (in case) awarded to Pte. Victor Leslie Harrison, service number 2594, in 1967 to mark the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli.

It is assumed this is Private Victor Leslie Harrison who joined on 14 June 1915, while a 25 year old railway hand from Fitzroy, Melbourne. He sailed from Melbourne on 15 September 1915, and arrived in Gallipoli in December; leaving again in early January 1916. In March 1916 he was sent to France, and after two periods of service on the Western Front left for Australia on a hospital ship in March 1919.

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 in box of issue. 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 V. L. HARRISON

Obverse Description

A 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

A 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 V. L. HARRISON

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.

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