The Anzac Commemorative Medallion
Overview
Instituted in 1967, the Anzac Commemorative Medallion was awarded to Australian and New Zealand personnel who participated in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.
Description
The Anzac Commemorative Medallion is bronze, circular in shape, and surmounted with St. Edward’s Crown. The obverse shows the iconic image of Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier. Below is a wreath of Australian Eucalyptus leaves and a scroll bearing the word "ANZAC". The reverse features a map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross. Below the image is a wreath of New Zealand fern leaves and a blank scroll for the recipient's name.
The medallion is engraved on the back with the recipient’s initials and surname. The rank and service number had to be omitted due to insufficient space.
Although the medallion is not designed to be worn, a lapel badge of a similar design was issued to service members. The badge included the individual's First World War service number on the reverse. Recipients who claimed the award on behalf of a deceased relative did not receive the lapel badge. The medallion was issued with a certificate.
Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, better known as 'Simpson' or 'the man with the donkey,' was assigned to the 3rd Field Ambulance, Australian Medical Corps, and part of the covering force that landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. During the Gallipoli campaign, he faced enemy fire to carry wounded soldiers on the back of a donkey to the dressing station. Simpson was killed on 19 May 1915, and the task of evacuating the wounded by donkey was then continued by New Zealand Private Richard (Dick) Alexander Henderson. Although Simpson was mentioned in orders of the day and dispatches, he received no bravery award. He has since become one of the best-known images of the Anzac experience.
Eligibility
Australian and New Zealand personnel who participated in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.
There is no Royal Warrant for the Anzac Commemorative Medallion. Administration instructions are included in the Regulations.
Queries & requests
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Related publications
For further information:
Peter Cochrane, Simpson and the Donkey: The Making of a Legend (Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 1992).
Peter Dennis, Jeffrey Grey, Ewan Morris and Robin Prior (eds), The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 1995), p.548.
For further information on the ANZAC Commemorative Medallion see the 1969 article by A.E. Prowse(external link).
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Wearing this Medallion
The Anzac Commemorative Medallion is not designed to be worn.
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Applying for this medallion
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.
If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.
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Checking if this award was issued to a relative
Archives New Zealand(external link) holds a collection of service records for New Zealanders who served in the First World War, however, the ANZAC Commemorative Medallion may not be noted on the digitised service records.
If you believe a relative is eligible for the ANZAC Commemorative Medallion, please download and complete an MD 1050 form and return it to NZDF PAM with the appropriate documentation.