A Collection of New Zealand War Medals

Pair: Sergeant W. Gregor, 70th Regiment

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1865 (601. Corpl. Wm. Greyor (sic), 70th Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (601. Sergt. W. Gregor, 70th Foot) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise good fine or better (2) £500-£600

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

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William Gregor was born in the Parish of Calne, Wiltshire, and attested for the 70th Regiment at Liverpool on 8 May 1859, aged 18, carver by trade. He departed for New Zealand in April 1861 and arrived there in July, but it was not until the outbreak of the Waikato war in 1863 that he saw his first actions - at Koheroa on 17 July 1863, and the attack on Pukekohe Stockade on 14 September 1863. After a further two years of campaigning, and some minor skirmishes in New Zealand, Gregor arrived back in England in April 1866, serving in England and Ireland until October 1871, at which time the regiment was ordered to India. After an uneventful period of 6 years and 5 months’ service as a Sergeant in India, Gregor arrived home at Kingston-on-Thames in March 1878, where he was then engaged in administrative and regimental duties, particularly as a drill instructor for recruits. In this same year he received his L.S. & G.C. medal from the Officer Commanding the Depot at Kingston. In April 1878 he was appointed Colour Sergeant, and the following year was appointed as a sergeant instructor to the 1st Gloucestershire Rifle Volunteers. He was discharged from the 70th at Kingston-on-Thames on 24 August 1880, and immediately appointed to the permanent staff of the 1st Gloucestershire Rifle Volunteers as Sergeant Instructor. He retired in the rank of Staff Sergeant circa 1903, and died on 16 October 1911, aged 69.

Sold with copied discharge papers and a detailed biography of his military service.