Lot 2082

Description

Family group. Father: New Zealand Medal, undated (J W Day Con AC); Long & Efficient Service Medal. Son: British War Medal 1914-16 (21148 L/Cpl E.M.Day N.Z.E.F.); Victory Medal (21148 L/Cpl E.M.Day N.Z.E.F.). First medal impressed, second medal unnamed, others impressed. Generally very fine.

Ex Longley Collection (Auckland) 1997. With research and application papers, son's service file, son's large numbered RSA badge, son's 1901 Royal Visit medal and a Canterbury Infantry badge. Joseph William Day was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1849. He served in 7 Division of the Armed Constabulary for 9 months, taking part in the battle at Ngatapa (December 1868) in the Poverty Bay. It was here that his commanding officer, Captain Brown, was killed. Day took his discharge shortly thereafter and later settled in Christchurch. His application for the New Zealand Medal (one of 478 awarded to the Armed Constabulary) was supported by comments from George Packe, commander of the Canterbury District. Joseph Day had continued service in the New Zealand Police (134 J W Day Acting 3rd Class Sergt). He was one of the first recipients of the Police Long Service Medal (in a private NZ Collection) and was awarded bars for 22, 30 and 38 years service. The last bar may have been awarded as late as 1919. Joseph Day appears to have later returned to the Taranaki region as he was a resident when his name appeared on Lord Ranfurly's Roll of Defenders of The Empire (1902). 21148 Sgt E M Day served in 'J' Company of the 21st Reinforcements to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was born on 24 April 1893 and lived with his mother in Guyton Street, Wanganui. He served in France from 1917 to 1918 and was wounded on 14 September 1918. Upon his discharge Day joined the RSA. Earle Manville Day died at Rotorua on 8 June 1953.