Summary

Anzac commemorative medallion (in case) awarded to the family of Corporal Gilbert Glenloth Wilson in 1967 to mark the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli. Corporal Wilson died in action on 14 November 1916. Born about 1893, he was an engine cleaner with the Victorian Railways when he enlisted on 18 January 1915, aged 22 (service no. 545). He probably landed at Gallipoli on 7 September 1915 with the 21st Battalion, four months after his brother, Lieutenant Frederick Gladstone Wilson, was killed there.

Corporal Gilbert Wilson, serving in the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, was killed in France on 14 November 1916. A photograph of him is held in the Australian War Memorial collection (P08024.001). Frederick and Gilbert's father had also lost his wife Eleanor (Cater) in 1906, at the age of 37.

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 G. WILSON Certificate was housed in case.

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 G. WILSON

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.
Private G. Wilson was killed in action in 1916. The medal was awarded to his family.

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