Historian John O’Connor

Military historian John O’Connor has preserved some of Australia’s military history in his book, Shooting Awards and Prize Medals to Australian Military Forces.

The beautifully finished book of more than 200 pages spans the period 1860 to 2000.

He has put on record a history of the many shooting and other prize medal competitions, military and civilian, involving Australian military forces including cadets.

For the first time, the names of the major medal winners at Australia’s military training establishments are recorded in one publication.

Of particular interest to Navy readers would be such awards as the RANC King’s/Queen’s Medal, the RAN Staff College Medal, the Lonsdale Medal, the Australian Naval Institute Medal and the Gowlland Memorial Medal awarded at the RAN Hydrographic School.

Shooting competitions described include the prestigious King’s and Queen’s events both military and civilian and the world famous Bisley tournament and other overseas competitions.

The hardbound A4 sized book, which is limited to 500 copies, is now recognised as the standard reference work on shooting awards and prize medals Australians.

Add to this the tremendous amount of history recorded throughout the book and it becomes must have addition to any library.

It can be purchased direct from the author 88 plus $9 registered postage. Enquiries to John O’Connor, PO Box 454, Kingsgrove NSW 1480, telephone (02) 95024708.

or email johnnyoconnor@bigpond.com.

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