Gallipoli medallion owner sought

A war medallion found on the front lawn of a Whangarei home has been handed in to police.

The bronze Anzac commemorative medallion in a blue box was discovered a week ago by a woman living on Maunu Rd.

The medallion was instituted in 1967 for Australian and New Zealand personnel who served at Gallipoli in 1915.

It measures 76mm x 50mm and has the recipient's initials and surname engraved on the back.

Whangarei police property officer Joan Johnson said the medal would mean a lot to someone.

Whangarei returned serviceman Chas Sibun said the medallions were not common.

"They're treasured and usually become family heirlooms."

The medallion was not designed to be worn but those personnel still alive when it was issued also received a lapel badge sized version with their World War I service number on the back.

Those who claimed the award on behalf of a deceased relative received only the medallion.

Anyone who knows who owns the medallion should contact the Whangarei police property office on 09-430-4639.