Yes, you may be able to obtain a replacement of your father's war medals under specific conditions if the original medals have been lost, damaged, or stolen. It's important to understand that this process is for replacement, not for obtaining an additional "copy" if the original medals are still in your possession.
Eligibility for Replacement War Medals
For family members of a deceased Defence member, the ability to obtain replacement medals is contingent on certain criteria. The primary purpose is to restore the entitlement to these significant awards when the originals are no longer available due to unforeseen circumstances.
You may be eligible to request replacement medals if:
- The original medals belonged to your deceased father, who was a Defence member.
- The medals were in the possession of family members (such as yourself) when they were lost, damaged, or stolen.
- The incident of loss, damage, or theft occurred after 1 December 1974.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) guidelines focus on replacing awards that are genuinely missing or unusable, ensuring the legacy of service is preserved.
Understanding "Copy" vs. "Replacement"
The term "copy" can sometimes imply an additional set of medals. However, official war medals are typically unique and are not duplicated as extra sets for collection purposes if the originals are still intact. The process administered by Defence is specifically for replacement of medals that are no longer available due to being lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. This ensures the integrity and value of the original awards.
How to Apply for Replacement Medals
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to submit an application through the official Defence channels. The application process generally involves:
- Proof of Relationship: Providing documentation to establish your direct lineage and relationship to the deceased Defence member.
- Details of Original Medals: Supplying any available information about your father's service and the medals he was awarded.
- Circumstances of Loss/Damage/Theft: Detailing how and when the original medals were lost, damaged, or stolen. This may require statutory declarations or police reports, depending on the circumstances.
For detailed guidelines and the application process, it is recommended to refer to the official Australian Defence Force (ADF) website:
To provide a quick overview of the conditions:
| Eligibility Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant's Relation | Must be a direct descendant (e.g., child, grandchild) of the deceased Defence member. |
| Medal Status | Original medals must be lost, stolen, or significantly damaged beyond repair. |
| Incident Date | The loss, theft, or damage must have occurred on or after 1 December 1974. |
| Prior Possession | The medals must have been in the possession of the family member at the time of the incident. |
