Lot 3843

Description

Governor-General's Medal, Officer Training Unit, undated, in silver oxidised bronze (51mm) by Amor, obverse, (type 1) Australian Rising Sun badge (5th type) in the centre, (type 2) crest of Officer's Training Unit, namely an officer's pip resting on crossed swords with scroll across containing the letters OTU, reverse (type 1 and 2) plain except for large laurel wreath with ribbon tie at base, no maker's name, the obverse lettering and reverse design details on type 2 in much greater relief than type 1. Both unnamed. The first with several small metal blobs, extremely fine, the second good very fine, both scarce, the first type more so. (2)

This medal was instituted in 1965 to be awarded to the Officer Cadet graduating first in his class at the Officer Training Unit (OTU) located at Scheyville near Windsor and about 40km north-west of Sydney. OTU was established in 1965 to conduct 6-month commissioning courses for Infantry Officers raised for the Vietnam War. The first course graduated on 18 December 1965 and the last on 18 April 1973. The first type medal was made on short notice and was only issued for the first three courses. It was replaced by the second type, more OTU specific designed medal, as from September 1966. Only 3 type 1 and 27 type 2 medals were awarded. See Shooting Awards and Prize Medals to Australian Military Forces by John O'Connor, p171 and figs 364-366.