A collection of military medals has been reported missing from the Mosgiel Memorial RSA, sparking a call for replacement medals to fill the void left by the vanished display. The display, meticulously curated by former RSA member Evan Black, included campaign medals from various wars New Zealand has been involved in, such as the World Wars, the Malayan Emergency, and the Māori Wars. The ornate collection, housed in a gold frame, was a significant feature at the Mosgiel clubrooms for many years.
Concerns about the missing medals arose when Paul Black contacted the committee regarding the display board, which had seemingly disappeared during the clubrooms’ redevelopment in 2014. The value of some of the missing medals, including the Māori War Medal and Boer War medals, ranges from $350 to $2000 each. Graeme Thomas, a committee member, expressed the association’s hope to recover the original display while also planning to recreate the medal board.
Efforts are underway to replace the missing medals, with a particular focus on including General Service Medals in the new display. The association is seeking donations of medals or financial contributions to acquire them. Recent donations from individuals like Graeme France have kickstarted the effort, with the association aiming to complete the collection by encouraging more contributions from the community.
Additionally, the Mosgiel Memorial RSA is also looking for mannequins to display a collection of World War 2 uniforms worn by Warrant Officer Allan McCarthy. These uniforms, donated by McCarthy’s son, hold historical significance and serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made during wartime. The association is actively seeking support from the public to help in both replacing the missing medals and showcasing the uniforms as part of their commemorative display.
Anyone willing to contribute medals or mannequins to the Mosgiel Memorial RSA can reach out via email or phone to offer their support. The call for replacement medals aims to uphold the legacy of service and sacrifice represented by the missing collection, ensuring that future generations can continue to honor the bravery and dedication of those who served in times of conflict.
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