The New Zealand Memorial Cross

• Time Period: World War II
• Institution: 1960
• Country: Great Britain

The New Zealand Memorial Cross is a campaign medal awarded to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel who, since September 1939, have been killed on active service or later died of their wounds. Up to two crosses could be awarded to the family of each individual, and was intended primarily for widows and mothers.

The cross was formally instituted, and full regulations published, in September 1947. Eligibility included both those serving with New Zealand forces and New Zealanders serving with other British Commonwealth forces, including the merchant navy.

In September 1960, further regulations were published extending eligibility to conflicts since the Second World War. Awards have since been made relating to service in Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor and Afghanistan. In September 1995 relatives of those killed during peacekeeping operations became eligible.

The New Zealand Memorial Cross Design

The medal is a cross patoncé struck in dull silver and measures 32 millimeters (1.3 inches) in diameter.

The obverse shows a laurel wreath between the arms of the cross. At the top of the vertical arm is a St. Edward’s Crown, with a fern leaf at the end of each of the other arms. At the center is the reigning monarch’s Royal Cypher.
The reverse is plain, with most crosses engraved with the name, rank and service number of the person commemorated.

The ribbon measures 12 millimeters wide and is royal purple.