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The New Zealand Memorial Plaque

The Memorial Plaque (First World War)

Overview

New Zealand awarded the Memorial Plaque to the next of kin of more than 18,000 New Zealand servicemen and women who were killed while serving overseas, or who died of wounds received while serving overseas, during the First World War. Across the British Empire, over a million plaques were issued. 

The next of kin of New Zealand Mercantile Marine personnel who lost their lives through enemy action during the First World War or later died of injuries caused by enemy action were awarded the Mercantile Marine Memorial Plaque.

The Memorial Plaque is also referred to as the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque(external link) by the Imperial War Museum.  

Description

The Memorial Plaque, which is approximately four times the size of a war medal, is not designed to be worn.  It has a diameter of 120mm and depicts Britannia placing a laurel crown on a rectangular tablet that bears the full name of the deceased service person in raised letters. In front of Britannia stands the British lion, two dolphins in the upper field, an oak branch in the lower right, and a lion cub holding a fallen eagle at the bottom of the plaque. Around the edge of the plaque is the inscription: "HE (or SHE) DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR."

Each plaque was accompanied by a parchment scroll that listed the name of the deceased and their military unit or ship.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this award

    The New Zealand Memorial Plaque is not designed to be worn.

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this plaque

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals no longer issues the New Zealand Memorial Plaque.

  • Checking if this award was issued to a relative

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  Archives New Zealand(external link) holds a collection of service records for New Zealanders who served in the New Zealand Armed Forces prior to the Second World War.  Many of the service records are digitised and easily accessible online.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  Plaques issued to descendants of servicemembers after the digitalisation of service records at Archives New Zealand may not be recorded on the digitised service record.