Summary

Anzac commemorative medallion (in case) awarded to Col. Joseph Rex Hall in 1967 to mark the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli.

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.

Joseph Rex Hall was a 19 year old accountant when he enlisted on 18 August 1914 (just two weeks after war was declared by Britain). He had already served for 2 1/2 years in the military forces (28th Australian Army Medical Corps). His service number was 63, reflecting the early date of his enlistment. He served in the Light Horse and Camel Corps in the Middle East (with a period in Gallipoli), escaping injury although experiencing illness. He returned to Australia in July 1919.

Hall's involvement with the military continued, and in May 1921 he was a candidate for a commission in the 2nd Cavalry Division. He served again in World War II, enlisting 6 Aug 1942 at East Malvern (service number VX80978 (V24238)). He was discharged on 13 Dec 1946 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 23/21 Australian Infantry Battalion.

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 J.R. HALL

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 J.R. HALL

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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