Medal, Anzac Commemorative Medallion, Australia, 1967

Anzac commemorative medallion awarded to Private Aubrey L.B. Hampton in 1967 to mark the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli. In March 1967 the Prime Minister, the Rt.

Hon. Harold Holt, announced that a commemorative medallion and badge was to be issued to surviving members of the Australian Defence Force who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916. Aubrey Lionel Bertram Hampton, a 28-year-old fitter and turner, enlisted on 18 August 1914 (service no.18) and was made a sapper in 2 Fld Coy Engrs (2nd Field Company Engineers). He was shipped overseas on the Orvieto in 20 October 1914 (part of the Albany convoy) and served in Gallipoli and the Western Front, becoming a driver in France.

He suffered illnesses such as pneumonia and 'debility', and a minor wound, but seems to have escaped major wounds during the war. In 1916 Aubrey's significant act of bravery at Pozieres let to the award of Military and Distinguished Conduct medals. In July 1917 he married Victoria Alexandria Jane Johnstone of Kensington at Southbourne, Dorset, England. Aubrey returned to Australia in October 1918 on 'special leave', and his Victoria later joined him there. He recovered from the effects of the war and went on to work as a fitter at organisations including H.V. McKay and the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. He and Victoria had three daughters before he passed away at home, aged 50 years.

A circular bronze medal with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base in box of issue. The obverse featured Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety; in the field above, 1915; the wreath below is laurel and the plaque carries the word, ANZAC. The reverse depicts a relief map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed; the wreath below is a New Zealand Fern and the plaque is engraved A. L. HAMPTON

Obverse: A circular bronze medal with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base. At centre, Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety; in the field above, 1915; the wreath below is laurel and the plaque carries the word, ANZAC. Reverse: A circular bronze medal with crown at top and wreath and plaque at base. A relief map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed; the wreath below is a New Zealand Fern and the plaque is engraved A. L. HAMPTON. Edge: Plain.