Commemorative medallion from troop transport SS Queen Mary : Major J M L Macpherson

Bronze commemorative medallion for the Cunard passenger liner SS Queen Mary. The obverse is cast in low relief with an image of the New York skyline viewed through and arch. Across the top of the arch is 'QUEEN MARY'. Across the centre of the arch is a ribbon scroll with 'COMMISSIONED 1936'. Beneath the scroll is a shield bearing a lion rampant hold a globe with a star behind its tail. The left side of the arch bears a shield representing New York City, showing windmill sails, two barrels and two beavers. The right side of the arch bears a shield representing Queen Mary, showing three tudor roses. The reverse of the medallion bears an image of SS Queen Mary and 'MARIA REGINA MARI ME COMMISIT'. The medallion is contained in a green leather case with gilded edging, lined with green velvet and white satin. The satin is stamped with the coat of arms of the Royal Mint.

1267 Private John (Jack) Machattie Lord MacPherson enlisted in 20 Battalion AIF on 4 April 1915. After service on Gallipoli he transferred to 5 Machine Gun Company on 23 March 1916. He was discharged from the AIF on 19 May 1917 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery's 410 Battery of the 96th Army Brigade. He was awarded the Military Cross for showing 'a fine example of courage and duty' while under heavy shell and gas fire near Merricourt, France, on 22 May 1918. On 17 June 1919 he was awarded a French Croix de Guerre. After his return to Australia Macpherson served in the Australian Instructional Corps from 1921-1923. Captain MacPherson again served in the Australian Army during the Second World War, enlisiting in May 1940. This commemorative medallion is an example of the medallions that were presented to Australian officers who travelled on Queen Mary's first voyage as a troopship in 1940. MacPherson was discharged from the army in August 1945.