Peacefully passed away on December 31 2015.  A private family cremation will be held tomorrow (Tues 5 January) and a celebration of Derek’s life will be held at the Hastings RSA, King St, on Thursday 7 January at 2.oopm – all welcome.
Messages to Rixon Family, C/- PO Box 8424, Havelock North.
Note: Gnr Rixon won the only DCM awarded to a NZ soldier during the Korean War – he was an OP signaller with Capt Peter King MC who was awarded a DSO for their actions supporting C Coy 1st Bn Kings Own Scottish Borders during the battle for Hill 317 (the Hinge) on 4 November 1951.(see pp 22 – 223 NZ and the Korean War: Vol II Combat Operations by Ian McGibbon) . Other awards made for actions during this battle include an MC to Capt RM Reston (OP with D Coy 1 KOSB)  and an MM to LBdr RJ Reid (line sig NCO).