The New Zealand Memorial Cross medal

The King George VI New Zealand Memorial Cross was instituted on 12 September 1947 for the relatives of New Zealand servicemen and women who lost their lives on active service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. The Cross acknowledges their grief and sacrifice.

This Cross was issued to the mother of Lieutenant Geoffrey Alexander Rowan who was killed in active service near Chakos Archipelago, Indian Ocean on 30 June 1944, during the Second World War. He was 28 years old, and serving with the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve.

The Cross was awarded to the families of the more than 11,000 personnel who died while serving in the New Zealand Armed Forces during the Second World War. In particular, many mothers and spouses received the Cross (hence it is sometimes known as the 'Mother's Cross').