Civil & Military Medals
Wars, whilst something no-one should encourage or be proud of, have been part of history for probably as long as man has been on this earth. They are won and lost, with both ‘sides’ loosing valuable men, women, and children in (what can only be said) an indiscriminate way. To both the victors and losers medals are awarded for appreciation of service, acts of gallantry and years of service. Recording the services of those within a family is important from both a historical viewpoint and a reminder of what our forebears gave of themselves and families during such Wars.
Throughout the family there was also a display of community service such as Scouting and the Red Cross. ‘Medals’ and or Certificates were awarded to those who gave of their time in these various organisations.
Whilst a new project for the writer, the intention of this page will be to honour those in the Malkin Family Line who have been awarded such medals and honours.
Edwin Malkin 1886 - 1966
When Edwin died his medals went to his third youngest daughter Edna Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Corbishley. They passed on to her daughter (Toni) who passed them to her nephew Andrew O’Donnell. After many years they have been passed into the care of Edwin’s youngest son, John. John’s second eldest son, Derek, dismantled the ‘case’ and medals getting them cleaned up and remounted. The 1914-1915 Star that was mounted alongside Edwin’s other medals we believe is not Edwin’s. First off whilst the medal has ‘R. Suss: R.’ inscribed the name and service number have been amateurishly scratched off. Further research as best one can seems to prove Edwin was not actually ‘entitled’ to this medal so it has not been re-mounted. If other evidence comes to light proving Edwin was indeed entitled to this Star it will be mounted and worn by family.
Edwin served in all three Armed Forces. 
Whilst in England he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve with his cobber Randolf “Dick” Leggatt serving on HMS Powerful. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment soon after the outbreak of War but was not sent to the front until Jan 1917. This is evidenced by references, in his Memoirs, to his eldest daughters second birthday and his own 31st birthday. After moving to New Zealand and WWII had got under way, Edwin joined up with the ‘Home Guard’ in Waipukurau. He was elected as the Company Sergeant Major, later appointed the Adjutant, then attached to the ‘Home Guard’ Staff on Army Pay in a temporary position. Edwin was interviewed in October 1943 for the position of Officer Commanding the Air Training Corps Squadron being formed in Waipukurau which he accepted and his ‘Home Guard’ Commission was transferred to the RNZAF in December 1943.
Whilst Edwin did not receive any medals for gallantry, he was awarded service medals for his service in WW1 these being the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 
One will note that the name on the ‘Award Card’ is Edward Malkin, yet the service numbers 4959 & G/16637 are Edwin Malkins’ service numbers. Also on the ‘Medal Record (below) his service numbers are correct yet the name incorrect. The writer has it on good authority that names were commonly misspelt or misread AND that it was most 
uncommon to have a medal and it NOT being recorded or the ‘Award Card’. Edwin himself actually makes mention of a third service number which is 1313 and issued when he first joined the army. The writer has yet to find any other ‘Service Records’ apart from those shown here, so is not able to confirm that third Service Number.
” brought to light that Edwin was entitled to the New Zealand Defence Service Medal with clasp “Regular”. Edwin may not have been aware of his entitlement to this medal so 
it has not been issued. Family have made application for the issue of the medal, which will be mounted alongside his other medals appropriately.
Edwin Malkin Snr was awarded The Boy Scouts Association ‘Medal of Merit’ for good services to the Scout Movement on the 23rd April 1953. A newspaper article from 
the time suggests his interest in the Boy Scouts started when he was on active War duty in France during WW1. Edwin was 71 yrs old when the medal was presented.
L to R: British War Medal, Victory Medal, The War Medal 1939-1945 & NZ War Service Medal
Florence E Malkin (nee Beezer) 1891 - 1966
Henry Corbishley 1918 - 1973
Henry Corbishley is the husband of Edwin and Florence Malkins third eldest daughter Edna Elizabeth Malkin ‘Betty’.