The Australian Memorial Cross (proposed)

The fact the we no longer do so is a

National Disgrace !

We put these men and women "In Harm's Way" and when they are killed we say "Oh well, at least you get a campaign medal. Your death and 30 days service in the area are equivalent".

World War 1

In World War 1 (The Great War) there were two methods used to mark the loss.

The plaques were cast in bronze and were approximately five inches (125 mm) in diameter. On the plaque itself no rank was recorded as the intention was to show equality in their sacrifice.  The troops referred to them as "The Dead Man's Penny".

Australian - World War 2

• This badge/medallion was issued to the nearest female relative of any Australian Serviceman/woman killed as a result of war service during WW2.

•  Each "star" on the bar represented a close family member killed in action. Too many had more than 1 "star".

How other former Dominions recognise loss

Talks with family members in NZ and Canada indicate that families treasure the Memorial Cross as a family heirloom.

Although thousands have been awarded very very few turn up on the 2nd hand market.

Instituted: 12 September 1947 by King George VI. Awarded to the next-of-kin of NZ service personnel killed on active service (since 1995, this includes deaths during peace-keeping operations). Award is made to the nearest female relative - if there is both a mother and a wife 2 Crosses are awarded.

The New Zealand Memorial Cross as  awarded during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

(The revese of this one is marked "SPECIMEN").

Canada

The Memorial Cross, the gift of Canada, was issued as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice on the part of widows and mothers of Canadian sailors and soldiers who laid down their lives for their country during the war;

The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first instituted by Order-in-Council 2374, dated December 1, 1919. It was awarded to mothers and widows (next of kin) of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty.

Hanger bar version of the Canadian Memorial Cross

Proposed Australian Memorial Cross

Recent events have (including the Blackhawk Disaster and the Sea King crash in Indonesia) again highlighted the fact that the Australian Awards system has fallen behind our needs particularly as it relates to use of the Military in non-military, non-warlike Operations.

One major flaw is the lack of a way of commemorating service by personnel killed in action or in accidents.

I therefore suggest

The Australian Memorial Cross

design: Eric Stein

• The purple represents the sacrifice of those who gave their lives.
• The subdued cross and crown represent the sadness of the Commonwealth at their loss.
• The bright silver map of Australia represents how their homeland was preserved free partly because of their accomplishments.
• The glittering beveled radii emanating from Australia recall the fact that these ones served their country in far-off lands at every point of the compass.   (They also emulate the unique Australian rising sun symbol.)

• Death by enemy action in war or warlike situations;
• Death by accidental causes while on Peacekeeping or Humanitarian Operations;
• Death by accidental causes whilst involved in training exercises.
  • Death in a car accident on the way to work (for example) would not qualify.

Suggested awardees:

• The Mother (or Father) of the deceased;
• AND the spouse of the deceased (married or de-facto, not fiancé)

Order of wear:

• This medal would NOT appear on the Order of Wear or be authorised for wear on uniform. It would not be a military medal and as death is the eligibility requirement, obviously no serving soldier would be eligible to wear it (unless the spouse of another service-person killed).

If you agree that this medal (or a variation) would enrich Australia's range of Honours and Awards tell Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at 

http://www.pm.gov.au/contact/index.cfm

I encourage you to do so and to get your friends to as well.

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