Lot 2081

Description

New Zealand Medal, undated. Wm S Day No 3 Coy Auckland Rifle Vol. Engraved, renamed as customary with post-1895 issues to colonials. Very fine.

Ex Webb's Auctions (Auckland) 1994, McDonald Collection Napier 1995, Edge Collection 1996. William Sellar Day arrived in Auckland from Australia on 9 February 1863. He settled in the central waterfront village of Parnell and joined the Rifle Volunteers (Parnell Company, Auckland Rifle Volunteers). The commanding officer was Captain Charles Heaphy who became the only Colonial of the New Zealand Wars to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Private Day later transferred to the nearby No.3 Rutland Company of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers. As well as being under fire at Wairoa, Private Day was also engaged in blockhouse duties throughout Auckland. He served in the Waikato campaign (in and around Auckland and the upper Waikato) for about two years. After much correspondence with the Department of Defence he was awarded his New Zealand Medal on 22 March 1913, whilst living in Otahuhu. He applied for the medal twice before it was issued. His character reference in support of his medal application was provided by Charles Hesketh, his former commanding officer. 108 New Zealand Medals were presented to Auckland Rifle Volunteers. With application papers.