profile-image-holder
Rank:
Wren
Birth date:
12.03.1926
Birth Place:
Christchurch, New Zealand
Service Number:
560
Date Joined:
05.07.1944
Date Discharged:
12.11.1946
Death date:
11.08.2016
Place of death:
Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand

Display No. 7D

RANKEN (nee FLINT), Virginia Ranui

Virginia Flint served in the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS) during the Second World War. She joined in July 1944 as a Provisional Wren. She served in HMNZS Tasman as a Steward (General), being promoted later that year to a Qualified Wren. She later served in HMNZS Philomel before being discharged from the service in November 1946.

The New Zealand War Service Medal, The War Medal 1939-1945

Awarded medal(s)

Medal Description [Left to Right]:

The War Medal 1939-1945

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

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.