A Collection of New Zealand War Medals

Pair: Corporal James West, 1st Waikato Regiment

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (Corpl. J. West, 1st Waikato Rt.) engraved naming, fitted with engraved silver suspension brooch; Empire Veterans’ Association, bronze cross, unnamed as issued, toned, very fine (2) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of New Zealand War Medals.

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James George West was born at Andover, Hampshire, in 1835. He emigrated to Australia and enlisted into the 1st Waikato Regiment at Melbourne on 16 September 1863, stating that he had prior service with the 93rd Regiment (but no medal entitlement). His draft departed almost immediately for New Zealand, arriving at Auckland on 5 October. He served continuously with No. 7 Company of his regiment and rose to be a Corporal. He served at the battle of Te Ranga on 21 July 1864. West afterwards settled at Opotiki where he received a town block Land Grant, together with two farm blocks, at nearby Waioeka. He later served with the Opotiki Volunteer Rangers who were involved in a number of actions against the Maori between 1868 and 1870, including: Waimana George on 10 February 1868; Whakatane in March 1869; Tauaroa on 18-19 March 1869; and Waikorowhiti on 7 February 1870, as well as many other small skirmishes. He was later employed as a builder, carpenter and undertaker by the borough council of Te Aroha. He joined the Empire Veterans’ Association in 1900 (No. 2028) and assembled in Auckland in 1903 to receive the bronze ‘badge’ of the association from the Governor. He died at Auckland on 29 April 1913, aged 78, and was buried in an unmarked grave in Waikaraka Cemetery, Onehunga, Auckland.

Sold with detailed research.