Companion of Honour Medal

item details

NameCompanion of Honour Medal

ProductionJohn Pinches; jeweller; 1946; England

Classificationmedals

Materialsmetal, ribbon, enamel

Techniquesmetalworking

DimensionsOverall: 3mm (width), 499mm (height), 41mm (length)

Registration NumberGH011467/2

Credit lineGift of Alice Fraser 1990

Overview

This Companion of Honour insignia was awarded to Peter Fraser in 1946. The rectangle in its centre features an oak tree, a shield with the royal arms hanging from one branch, and on the left a mounted knight in armour. The badge's border bears the motto 'IN ACTION FAITHFUL AND IN HONOUR CLEAR' in gold letters, and the oval is surmounted by an imperial crown. Men wear the honour on a ribbon around their necks and women on a bow at the left shoulder.

Conspicuous service of national importance
The Order of the Companions of Honour was instituted in June 1917 by King George V. Its membership was initially limited to fifty, but later increased to sixty-five. It is awarded to those who had 'rendered conspicuous service of national importance'. It does not confer any status to the recipient, although the letters 'CH' may be used after the recipient's name.

Fraser first
Peter Fraser (1884-1950) was the first New Zealander to become a member of the Order. Scots-born Fraser grew up in the Lowlands. His experience of economic hardship, and the political debate that was part and parcel of his family life, helped to form his social conscience and political leanings.

Member of Parliament
Fraser migrated to New Zealand in 1911 where he quickly gained prominence as a trade unionist, socialist and conscientious objector during World War I. In 1919 he was elected to parliament as part of the Labour opposition. Fraser was one of the key members of New Zealand's first Labour Government, which came to power in 1935. As its Minister of Health and Education, he was able to implement policies to affect much-needed social reform that brought about radical and lasting change.

Prime Minister
After the death of the first Labour Prime Minister, Michael Savage, in 1940, Fraser was appointed Prime Minister, making his mark as an international statesman during World War II. As one newspaper observed, Fraser 'spoke only for a small nation, but his influence was large'. His actions during the formation of the United Nations at the end of World War II ensured New Zealand's interests would be properly represented in this forum.