RECOGNITION OF SERVICE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA
As detailed in the media release, the Minister of Defence, Hon Peeni Henare, the Government has approved the recognition of the service of NZ Armed Forces personnel who served in South East Asia between 1 February 1959 and 31 January 1974 but did not deploy into combat areas such as Borneo or Vietnam. These personnel are now eligible for the award of the New Zealand Operational Service Medal (NZOSM).
The RNZN Communicators Association has been battling for this recognition for over twelve years, engaging with several Chiefs of Defence Force and numerous Ministers of Defence in the period. Finally getting the recognition is due in no small way to the efforts of the Communicators Association’s committee. Along with another interested ex-Service group, the South East Asia Veterans Association (SEAVA), they have consistently pushed for NZ Defence Force personnel to be given equivalent recognition to that accorded to Australian Defence Force personnel, who they served alongside in the same operations and areas.
The eligibility requirement is for seven or more day’s service posted or attached to the Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) or the Australia New Zealand United Kingdom (ANZUK) Force during the identified dates. Surviving eligible Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased eligible veterans are required to apply for the award of the medal.
The period involved includes many deployments by various HMNZ Ships to the FESR or ANZUK Force. A good many, if not the majority, of the personnel who served in some of those ships, have since crossed the bar. The Association’s committee will initiate a project to identify deceased Communications Branch personnel who would be eligible for the medal, so that their next-of-kin (where traceable) can be told of their relative’s entitlement and helped to apply for the medal. This will be a considerable task, trying to identify ships’ that deployed and when, and the names of the Communicators in the ship. Anyone communicator who can recall names of any of the members of the Communications Branch who have ‘crossed the bar‘ who may have served in the FESR or was part of the ANZUK Force Unit is requested to leave a comment to this post with their names.
A copy of the full report by the Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group can be read by clicking this LINK.
This has been a long battle and the association would like to acknowledge the contribution of previous Presidents and committee members in this ongoing campaign. Although not the complete answer we hoped for, finally getting recognition makes everyone’s efforts worthwhile.
For the multitude of former New Zealand military men and women who served in the Far East Strategic Reserve and Australian New Zealand and United Kingdom Forces [from 1 Feb 1959 to 31 Jan 1974] for them to receive the New Zealand Operational Service Medal [NZOSM] is a well earned and justified reward. Full credit to the entire ROYAL NEW ZEALAND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION SUB COMMITTEE as their commitment and dedication over the past four [4] years brought this mammoth exercise to a successful conclusion. To celebrate and mark this very special medallic achievement I’m sure one might wish to splice the main brace!
Totally agree with your comments Neal, a mammoth task and the team are to be commended on their tenacity and determination in the face of several knock backs along the way ! BZ team and heartfelt thanks from us all ! Dodger
At last, recognition to those who did time on the Far East Station! I personally did three stints, plus a two year posting to Kranji W/T (GYL) and the ANZUK Commcen Singapore between 1 Feb 1959 and 31 Jan 1974.
To those who committed themselves to achieving a long overdue recognition —– BZ
You have the date wrong ANZUK folded up 16 Dec 1974 ..there where Navy still under HQ ANZUK coming in to Singapore in 1975 ..Iwas there
Congratulations to all those who spent many years fighting the Ministry of Defence by both writing letters, presenting evidence and presenting submissions to select committees. A great job done by all. Now we have to work on Veterans Affairs to sort out “Veterans” status for those who now qualify for the New Zealand Operational Service Medal along with the benefits that come with being “Operational” and not just “Routine” service.
Thank you very much for your hard work and efforts. Two and a half years in Singers will now be recognised.
Well done obviously to the RNZN Communications team for their dedication and professionalism in achieving the desired result for the outstanding contribution to ll of those who served in SE Asia. Best wishes to you all
Ian Dennis ex RNZ Signals
You have to get the right Dates there where Navy ships still under HQ ANZUK Comd in 1975
I was there till 1977 went back in 1986
Hi, The dates are those which were approved by the NZDF. The date in Feb 1974 was chosen as that is the date that NZFORSEA was formed and personnel were posted to this unit rather than ANZUK.