Lot 2090

Description

New Zealand Medal, undated. Lieut De N. Lucas 40th Regt. Impressed. Very fine.

With research and 'Sabretache - Journal of the Australian Military Historical Society' Oct-Dec 1980.

De Neufville Lucas was commissioned as an Ensign in the 40th Regiment of Foot on 17 August 1855. His service record has not survived however it is known that he was sent to Australia shortly thereafter.

On 31 October 1856 the Governor General held his half yearly review of the 40th Regiment at the Princes Barracks in Melbourne. Following the inspection the officers returned to their barracks. Between Noon and 1pm Ensign Pennefather rushed from his room with a revolver and shot the first officer he encountered - Ensign Russell Veith. Veith was shot through the cheek and the bullet exited his neck. Pennefather then proceeded towards the Surgeon of the Regiment, Doctor M'Cauley who was invalided as a result of a fall a few weeks prior. Doctor M'Cauley was seated in a lawn chair with his crutch beside him. Pennefather placed his pistol in the mouth of Doctor M'Cauley and shot him. He then searched for another target and sighted Ensign Lucas. Lucas ran towards Pennefather and attempted to disarm him. During the struggle Lucas was shot in the face (jaw). Pennefather then shot himself in the temple, committing suicide. As a result of the incident, Ensign Veith was dangerously wounded. Doctor M'Cauley was killed and Ensign Lucas was severely wounded.

Lucas was commissioned as Lieutenant on 28 October 1859. He married Catherine Holroyd at Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia on 8 June 1860 . The military marriage certificate states his age as 29 years, suggesting he was born about 1831. Lieutenant Lucas then served in New Zealand from c.1860 to 1866. His exact dates and details of service are not recorded. It is presumed that Lieutenant Lucas was in action at Rangiriri, Waiari and Orakau and it is likely that he also took part in the earlier Taranaki campaigns. The New Zealand Medal Roll (WO100/18) notes that by the time of the issue of the New Zealand War Medal in 1869 Lieutenant Lucas had resigned by sale of his commission. As his wife was Australian it is very likely that Lucas took his discharge in Australia while the 40th Regiment was returning to England.

He was awarded an undated New Zealand Medal, being customary to men no longer serving the Regiment with whom they had won the medal.