ANZAC medal

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The 1967 ANZAC medal, designed by artist and sculptor Raymond Ewers, was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli by the Australian, New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). It was issued only to survivors or their next of kin. The first medal struck was presented to Private Simpson’s sister in England. Eligibility was, Member of Australian or New Zealand fighting and support services who served in the Gallipoli Campaign any time between 25 April 1915 and 8 January 1916. The Obverse shows Private John Simpson, the stretcher bearer who became a legend in rescue work with his donkey; he was a member of an Ambulance Corps at Gallipoli.

This particular medal was issued late in 1967 to the widow of John Alexander Denton, Service No. 141, of the Engineers 1st Division Signal Company of the Australian Infantry Forces. Denton was born on 10 August 1894, lived in Highgate Hill (Perth) and worked as a salesman, enlisted at Blackboy Hill on 25 August 1914, saw out the war but was gassed and admitted to War Hospital; he returned to Australia in early 1919. Denton also served in the 5th Garrison from 10 October 1939 to 6 September 1944 (partly as Quartermaster captain), and died in Perth on 19 July 1961.