| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL28773.005 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Cupro nickel |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1946 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Defence Medal : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF :
Description
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
VX42929 John Wilfred Harold Atkinson was born in Victoria in 1920. He was a dairy farmer at Timboon, Victoria when he enlisted for service in the army on 14 June 1940, and was allocated to 2/23 Battalion. Atkinson served in North Africa and then in New Guinea. He was commissioned on 13 January 1943. Atkinson was awarded the Miltary Cross during the campaign that culminated in the fall of Lae to the Allies 'For outstanding leadership and great personal courage'. He was discharged on 7 November 1944.