Description
George VI Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (Military), 1st Issue. Engraved to “NX167269 (NP1587) S/SGT. KAHLER. G.R. A.I.F.”. “GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE: IMP:”, Crowned Head of King George VI facing left / “FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT”, Legend in 4 lines.
Born on the 10th of September 1904 at Bingara, New South Wales, Garnet Roy Kahler was the son of Christopher Kahler and Emily Turner – he was sibling to three brothers and one sister. His father Christopher served in World War I as Private 50988 of the Australian Infantry Forces, and is noted to have enlisted with his cousin James Rollings (Private 50989), later serving side by side after transferring to the Pioneer Company.
Garnet Roy Kahler enlisted into the Australian Infantry Forces on the 14th of April 1943 as Staff Sergeant NX167269, although is noted to have served for many years prior as NP1587 of the ‘Permanent Forces of the British Empire’ within Australia. He would be later promoted to Warrant Officer class II whilst serving with the 2nd Australian Veterinary Hospital and Remount Depot, and in 1946 receive the Military L.S. & G.C. Medal, as per page 1163 Commonwealth Gazette no. 82, 2nd May 1946:
“NP1587 (now NX167269) Warrant’ Officer (Class II.) Garnet Roy Kahler, 2nd Australian Veterinary Hospital and Remount Depot”
Prior to 1947, the eligibility for this award was 18 years of unblemished, reckonable service, as well as by recommendation of the individual’s commanding officer. Thus, Garnet Roy Kahler would have been serving in the Permanent Forces for at least 18 years prior to 1946 – the ‘Australia’ attachment above the Medal indicates this service within Australia. He is amongst approximately 320 Australians to receive the King George VI Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (Military), per Johnson 2nd Edition.
Ex. John Michael Alan Tamplin Collection, via Dix Noonan Web Ltd, Part II of IV (4th December 2008)
Ex. Colonial Coins and Medals Sale 14, 21st March 2009
Medal loose. Although lacking in actual service details, this is a fine medal to a Warrant Officer Class II from a family with a history of service. Excellent provenance to a famous collection as well as one of our previous auctions. Lovely rainbow toning in exceptional condition with great visual appeal. Extremely Fine.