Medals relating to Private Edgar “Eddie” Wright, 1939–1965

Medals relating to Private Edgar “Eddie” Wright, 1939–1965
Historical note: 

Edgar Wright volunteered for the Australian Army from Britain. He was one of those posted to 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), to replace the men lost in the battle of Maryang San in 1951, during the Korean War.

As a signaller, Wright carried the unit’s radio. He was mentioned in despatches for his “courage and marked ability to maintain efficient communication when under fire at close quarters”. Promoted to corporal, he stayed in the army, serving in both the Malayan Emergency (1948–60) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962–66).

Wright donated his battledress jacket and winter field jacket to the Anzac Memorial in 2001, both of which are currently on display in the Centenary Exhibition. His service medals, identifying his overall career and MID in Korea, complement these objects and will also be displayed in the new exhibition.

Eddie Wright's jackets (centre) on display at the Memorial's Centenary Exhibition

Eddie Wright's jackets (centre) on display at the Memorial's Centenary Exhibition

Eddie Wright's jackets (centre) on display at the Memorial's Centenary Exhibition

Materials: 
cotton; medals; ribbon; metal; silk
Category: 
Awards and decorations
Conflict: 
Korean War (1950-1953); Malayan Emergency (1948–60); Indonesian Confrontation (1962–66)
Production Date: 
1939-1965

On this day

On this day
2 June

1953 — Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll at Westminster Abbey

1965 — Lead troops of 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, landed in Vietnam. This also marked the first of more than 600 QANTAS chartered flights moving troops to and from Vietnam, in what was to become known as “Skippy Squadron”