Lot 2085

Description

New Zealand Medal, undated but with clear ghost dates. Pvt WM Alderson 2nd Waikato Reg. Engraved, officially renamed as customary with post-1895 issues to colonials. Very fine.

Ex Gould Collection (Te Awamutu) 2003. William Alderson was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire in 1842. He enlisted in the 2nd Regiment of Waikato Militia at Otahuhu on 31 December 1863. Private Alderson served with No.7 Company under Captain Peacock. On the eve of the attack on Orakau Pa he volunteered for the expedition and was attached to No.9 Company under Captain Pickering. The company marched at night from Te Awamutu through Kihikihi to Orakau. Alderson took part in the engagement at Orakau from 31 March to 2 April 1864 where he sustained a bad head injury. Alderson was subsequently granted a Military Land Grant and settled at Tuhikaramea near Kihikihi/Hairini and not far from Orakau. He became active in local affairs and held sponsor construction of the local school where his children attended. He applied for his New Zealand Medal in April 1911 and after an investigation by Captain Northcroft was awarded his New Zealand Medal on 17 October 1911. William Alderson died at Hairini on 13 March 1915 With research and application papers.