History

The New Zealand Memorial Cross was instituted by King George VI on August 16, 1960. The Silver Cross was awarded to the next of kin of persons who lost their lives during active service with the New Zealand forces or who died as a result of wounds or illness attributed to military service. Initially, the Cross was awarded in commemoration of service men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War, but it was later extended to commemorate post-war operational service since September 3, 1945. The Cross may be awarded up to 2 family members.

There are 2 versions of the Silver Cross. The first features the royal cypher of King George VI, a surmounting King's Crown and is worn from a purple ribbon around the neck, while the second features the royal cypher of Queen Elizabeth II, a surmounting Queen's Crown and is worn from a brooch.

The Cross features a reverse engraving of the commemorated person’s name and service details. However, unnamed versions are known to exist.