Pene's service honoured on her birthday

Pene Jackson doesn't know where she would be if she hadn't joined the navy.

Yesterday she had her efforts recognised on Armistice Day - which also happened to be her birthday.

"I was born on the 11th of the 11th at the 11th hour," she said. "That's why it's so special I get my medal today."

She was one of many who were awarded a New Zealand Defence Service Medal, issued since April to recognise operational and non-operational military service since September 3, 1945.

Mrs Jackson joined the forces as a chef in 1969 but it was not until she was about to sign on the dotted line that officials realised she was only 16 - which meant she had a 10pm curfew for a year.

She said she was a bit of a rebel but was very proud to have served for four years.

Mrs Jackson was personal chef to Captain Sam Mercer, now deceased, and Commodore McKenzie, as well as receiving three London City and Guilds awards and passing her command exams.

Mrs Jackson received her medal in front of a large crowd, including her children and grandchildren.

People are eligible for the award if they served three years in the New Zealand military, spent three years in Territorial Forces, completed Compulsory Military Training or were National Service personnel.

There are also short-term service criteria for people who served 12 months or more in J Force (Japan) or K Force (Korea), or for personnel on a 2NZEF engagement on or after September 3, 1946.

"I'm very proud to receive it today, especially as most of them are in the army," said Mrs Jackson.