| Place | Asia: Turkey, Canakkale Province, Gallipoli |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL40063 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medallion |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Ewers, Raymond Boultwood |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1967 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Anzac Medallion : Driver E J Messenger, 11 Battalion, AIF
Description
Circular bronze medallion surmounted by the Queen's crown. The obverse shows Simpson and his donkey assisting a wounded man and the date '1915' above a laurel wreath and the word 'ANZAC'. The reverse shows a map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed over it, fern fronds and the engraved name of the recipient 'E. J. MESSENGER'. The medallion is housed in its case of issue.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of 462 Driver Ernest John Messenger during the First World War. Born in Adelaide in July 1881, Messenger served in the Boer War in 1902 with the 2nd Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse.
On 14 August 1914, Messenger was working as a horse driver and living at South Street, South Fremantle, WA when he enlisted in the AIF. On 2 November 462 Driver Messenger embarked aboard HMAT Ascanius at Fremantle with reinforcements to the 11th Battalion.
He saw service on Gallipoli, but was troubled by rheumatism and after suffering badly from dysentery, with extended periods in hospital, he was too weakened to continue his military service. Messenger returned to Australia and was discharged in January 1916.
In April 1917, he enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) and served with the No 5 District Guard. Messenger's son, Able Seaman Ernest George Messenger served aboard HMAS Australia during the Second World War.