George Forsyth joined the Royal Navy in 1914 as a Boy 2nd Class, training in HMS Impregnable. Within the first few months of his training the First World War had begun. He was subsequently posted to HMS Thunderer where he remained for the majority of the war. Thunderer operated as part of the Home Fleet and saw action at the Battle of Jutland.
After the war, Forsyth continued serving on destroyers for several years before transferring to the Royal Australian Navy in 1920. He returned to the Royal Navy in 1922 only to transfer again to the New Zealand Division in 1923 where he completed his service, discharging in 1928. During his time in the New Zealand Division he served in HM Ships Philomel and Dunedin, and was promoted to Petty Officer in August 1925. Upon leaving service he enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve and served again during the Second World War.
Note: The medals here are displayed as they were donated to the museum, representing how they were worn by their recipient. In this case, Forsyth’s Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is mounted incorrectly and should be placed after his New Zealand War Service Medal.
The 1914-15 Star was awarded to servicemen and servicewomen who served in the First World War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 in any “theatre of war”, provided they had not qualified for the 1914 Star. This included service at Gallipoli between 25 April 1915 and 31 December 1915, service in Egypt between 5 November 1914 and 31 December 1915, and service during the capture of German Samoa on 29 August 1914. Those eligible for the medal must have “served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war” during the relevant dates of operations in that area. The ribbon’s red, white and blue shaded and watered bands represent the flag of the United Kingdom.
The British War Medal was instituted in 1919 to recognise the successful conclusion of the First World War (1914-1918). Its coverage was later extended to recognise service until 1920, recognising mine clearing operations at sea, and participation in operations in North and South Russia, the eastern Baltic, Siberia, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
The Victory Medal was awarded in the First World War to all those who had already qualified for the 1914 Star or the 1914-15 Star, and to most persons who had already qualified for the British War Medal. The Victory Medal was awarded to all New Zealand troops serving overseas, except for those who arrived in Samoa after 30 August 1914 and those serving in Great Britain only. It has a unique double rainbow ribbon.
A bronze spray of oak leaves on the medal ribbon denotes that the recipient was Mentioned in Despatches during the period that the medal recognises. To be Mentioned in Despatches a member of the armed forces has had their name mentioned in an official report, written by a superior officer, and sent to a higher command. The report would describe the individual’s gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.
Awarded to ratings of the Royal Fleet Reserve (NZ) for twelve years’ efficient service.
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded across the British Commonwealth to all full-time members of the Armed Forces in the Second World War for 28 days service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, irrespective of where they were serving. The ribbon is the red, white, and blue of the (British) Union Flag. There is a narrow central red stripe with a narrow white stripe on either side. There are broad red stripes at either edge, the two intervening stripes being blue.
A bronze oak leaf on the medal ribbon denotes that the recipient was Mentioned in Despatches. To be Mentioned in Despatches a member of the armed forces had their name mentioned in an official report, written by a superior officer, and sent to a higher command. The report would describe the individual’s gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.
The New Zealand War Service Medal was awarded for 28 days’ full time service or six months’ part time service in the Second World War in any of the New Zealand Armed Forces including the Reserves, Naval Auxiliary Patrol Service, or Home Guard, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
