An Extensive Collection of Medals for Long and Meritorious Service

New Zealand L.S. & G.C., V.R. (No.205 Sergt. Major Robert G. V. Parker, No.1 Service Coy. N.Z.P.M. (1899)) replacement suspension rod, extremely fine, rare £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Extensive Collection of Medals for Long and Meritorious Service.

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Collection

Just 49 awards were made between 9 July 1898 and 8 September 1903.

Robert Parker was born at Headley, Hampshire on 3 October 1855. On 13 June 1876 he married Susannah Mary Dove at Kingston on Thames, and journeyed to the United States of America where his first child, Robert Vining, was born on 2 September 1878 near Worthington, Nobles County, Minnesota. He and his family returned to England where he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery, January 1879-August 1883. After taking his discharge by purchase he returned to Worthington, Minnesota. Some time afterwards he moved to New Zealand and on 6 May 1885 he attested as a 3rd Class Constable in the Armed Constabulary where he was employed in training men for the artillery. Shortly after his induction he was transferred to Wellington and was appointed Sergeant Major and Instructor and was involved in mounting the first eight-inch breach loading gun and three six-inch guns. When the Defence Act was passed in 1886, separating the military and police functions, he was transferred to the Permanent Militia, retaining the same appointment. In December 1889 he transferred from No.2 (Wellington) Battery to No.4 (Dunedin) Battery. In June 1896 his battery became part of No.1 Company New Zealand Permanent Force. The award of his L.S. & G.C. Medal was approved on 8 November 1899. After the reorganisation of 1892, he was listed as serving in the Royal New Zealand Artillery. In 1904, Parker was recommended for the award of the Meritorious Service Medal and this was presented to him in Dunedin in early 1905 at the Central Battery. On 1 April 1905, Parker was promoted to Regimental Sergeant-Major and on 10 October 1907 was advanced to 2nd Class Master Gunner (Warrant Officer). On 1 June 1911, Warrant Offcer Parker was posted to the Wellington Detachment, Gunnery Section and was permitted to extend his service until 60 years of age. He was appointed Artillery Store Accountant on 17 June 1913 and was later promoted to Honorary Lieutenant with effect from that date; six months later he was posted to Alexandra Barracks Depot, Buckle Street, Wellington. He was promoted to Honorary Captain on 9 March 1917. Parker transferred to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps when it was established on 1 April 1917. Captain R.G.V. Parker, Ordnance Officer 3rd Class, was posted to the Retired List with the honorary rank of Major on 30 September 1919. He retired firstly to his home at 47 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington, and in 1923 he moved to 17 Princess Street, Musselburgh, Dunedin but later moved to Hamilton where he was still residing in 1929. Sold with copied research.