New Zealand Memorial Cross

 

World War II.

 

Further relevant historical context can be found at the foot of this entry.

 

 

Initially recommended for institution in 1947, the cross was actually established on 16 August 1960 for award to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel who had died on active service or subsequently from wounds or illness attributed to war service.

 

The cross was initially to remember sacrifice during WW2 but it was later extended to other campaigns and wars where New Zealanders have fought and died. More than one could be issued to relatives of the deceased, for example Mother and Wife.

 

 

There are two versions of the memorial cross. The ‘first type’ which is to be worn round the neck is a 32mm wide silver bath type cross, overlain by a plain cleft arm cross, with the GVI Royal Cypher at the centre.

 

A king's crown is on the upper arm and a fern leaf at the ends of the other three. A wreath is integrated between the arms.

 

The ‘second type’ is similar to the first with a Queen's crown on the upper arm. the overlying cross is extending down the lower arm to form a more crucifix shape, and the fern leaf on this arm is omitted. The EIIR Royal Cypher is at the centre.

 

The EIIR types are pin back and worn as a brooch.

 

Both versions include the name of the deceased to the rear of the cross. The naming is impressed in plain small san-serif capitals.

 

 

 

The cross was worn around the neck from a 750mm long, 12mm wide, purple ribbon. Purple stands for suffering and misery and traditionally was the stained-glassmaker's colour for black, expressing negation, mourning, and death.

 

 

None were authorised for this medal.

 

Further relevant historical context can be found at the foot of this entry.

 

 

 

* It should be noted that the values quoted above reflect the average price that a medal dealer may expect to sell this medal for - please see the ‘things you should know’ web page for more details about valuing medals.

 

** The individual medal value will vary considerably based on the recipient’s details.

 

 

This section contains information on:-

 

- New Zealand Forces During World War II.

 

New Zealand Forces During World War II - New Zealand entered the Second World War by declaring war on Germany with Britain. The state of war with Germany was officially held to have existed since 9.30pm on 3 September 1939, simultaneous with that of Britain, but in fact the declaration of war was not made until confirmation had been received from Britain that their ultimatum to Germany had expired.

 

Diplomatically, New Zealand had expressed vocal opposition to fascism in Europe and also to the appeasement of Fascist dictatorships, and national sentiment for a strong show of force met with general support. Economic and defensive considerations also motivated the New Zealand involvement - reliance on Britain meant that threats to Britain became threats to New Zealand too in terms of economic and defensive ties.

 

There was also a strong sentimental link between the former British colony and the United Kingdom, with many seeing Britain as the 'mother country' or 'Home'.

 

New Zealand provided personnel for service in the Royal Air Force and in the Royal Navy. New Zealand was prepared to have New Zealanders serving under British command. RNZAF pilots, many trained in the Empire Air Training Scheme, were sent to Europe. But unlike the other Dominions, New Zealand did not insist on its aircrews serving with RNZAF squadrons, so speeding up the rate at which they entered service. And the Long Range Desert Group was formed in North Africa in 1940 with New Zealand and Rhodesian as well as British volunteers, but included no Australians for the same reason.

 

The New Zealand government placed the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy at the Admiralty's disposal and made available to the RAF 30 new Wellington medium bombers waiting in the United Kingdom for shipping to New Zealand. The New Zealand Army contributed the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

 

This information was taken from ‘Wikipedia’. The original article and details of the authors can be found here. It is reproduced on this web-site under the ‘creative commons’ licence which can be found here.