Ten local ex-service personnel receive Defence Service Medals
A brief yet moving ceremony at the Takaka District War Memorial (in front of the Library) last Friday morning not only marked Remembrance Day, but was the opportunity for the local RSA to honour 10 locals who recently received their Defence Service Medals (DSM).
These medals acknowledge a minimum of three years’ accumulated military service since the end of WW2, including Compulsory Military Training (CMT), National Military Service (NMS), and time in the Territorials.
Takaka RSA President Phil O’Connor started the proceedings with the reminder that it was 93 years ago to the 11th hour on the 11th day of November in 1918 that hostilities ended on the Western Front. “New Zealand had a population of just 1.1 million back in 1914, yet it managed to send 100,000 men and women abroad. Around 16,700 were killed and over 40,000 wounded, a higher per capita casualty rate than any other country involved in the Great War. Over 20 million people were killed worldwide, 45 men from Takaka, a huge loss to the community.”
The names of the fallen were read out, The Last Post played, the flag lowered to half mast, and a wreath laid by past president Bob Papps and Ann Fletcher, Takaka RSA’s new welfare officer. Ann took over from Dick Papps earlier this year after he served 18 years in that position.
Those who earned their DSMs then came forward and were congratulated by the RSA president. Teri and Vi Goodall earned theirs in the Air Force, Teri’s for eight years as an radio engineer and Vi’s for three years as a typist. Tony Lindsay’s DSM recognised his CMT, as did Kevin Delaney’s. Ellis Hodgkinson and Nick Farr were recognised for NMS training, while Phil O’Connor’s DSM honoured his 26 years in the NZ Army, Infantry, and service in Vietnam. His impressive CV since includes his role as transportation manager at Buckingham Palace.
Other Vietnam veterans in Golden Bay include Roger Price of Takaka and David Riley of Rockville.
It was only in April that the age restriction for DSMs was lowered to 50 (from 60) and the first applications were called for by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Medals Office. More than 17,700 applications have now been received nationwide and 13,000 medals issued since. With potentially 160,000 people who are now eligible to apply, it’s going to be a big job. It is now being managed in four stages, with priority given to applications from older living ex-service personnel first. The three-year service requirement can be accumulated service (eg, between regular, K Force, J Force and Territorial service), and RNZNR and RNZNVR personnel are also eligible for the medal. “We are encouraging anyone who is eligible to apply, RSA members or not,” said Phil.
The RSA’s next presentation for new DSM recipients (who actually receive their medals by courier beforehand) will be next Anzac Day.
The RSA’s next function, though, will be their afternoon Christmas Party at the Takaka Fire Station on 11 December.
Ex-Service personnel can apply for the medal using the online form on the NZDF medals website http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz
Gerard Hindmarsh
