Summary

Anzac Day school children's medal, issued in 1918. The medal was distributed to every school child that year to commemorate Anzac Day. The Anzac forces first landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

Gold special strikings of the medal were sold to Victorian school children and the public to commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April 1918. 250,000 medals were struck. Bronze medals were sold for 1 shilling and oxidised silver medals for 5 shillings. One-third of the proceeds was to be directed to the funding of a permanent institution for returned soldiers. [The Argus, 11 April 1918, p 8]

The obverse image of the bust of an Australian soldier was adapted from a drawing by H. Harvey, an assistant in the Victorian Education Department.

Physical Description

Round medal with loop at top. Obverse depicts the bust of a uniformed Australian soldier. Reverse shows a scroll in front of a branch. Inside hinged square red leather case with purple velvet and white silk.

Obverse Description

Bust of uniformed Australian soldier wearing hat facing left; around, HONOR TO THE A.I.F. In small letters below bust, S&S 15C HH

Reverse Description

Incuse on scroll which rests on olive branch, GALLIPOLI / FRANCE / PALESTINE; above EVD ; below, ANZAC DAY 1918

Edge Description

plain

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