Lot 2093

Description

New Zealand Medal 1866. Sergt Edward Bryne (sic) 2nd Bn 14th Regt. Impressed. Very fine.

Ex Glendinings (London) 23 September 1958, Corbett Collection (Auckland) 1993, McDonald (Napier) May 1997. Edward Byrne was born at Imonck, Hacketstown, County Carlon (c.1839). He enlisted as a Private (No.948) in 2nd Battalion, 14th Regiment at Dublin on 15 December 1858. He was promoted to Corporal on 30 August 1860 however was stripped of this rank during the first of his three court martials. Byrne served 6 years and 1 month in New Zealand and spent considerable periods of his service imprisoned by order of his Commanding Officer. From 5 September 1865 until the departure of the regiment in late 1866 his service appears improved. This would account for his award of a unique 1866 dated New Zealand Medal as he was only available for service when not imprisoned; namely from late-1865. Edward Byrne re-engaged at Melbourne on 13 December 1867. He was promoted to Corporal on 17 September 1869 and to Sergeant on 1 March 1871. However his conduct remained poor and he was demoted to the ranks as a result of being drunk on 16 September 1876. He obtained his discharge on 13 December 1876. At the time of his discharge Byrne had served a total of 17 years and 287 days, which included overseas service of 9 years and 9 months. He served 6 years and 1 month in New Zealand and 3 years and 8 months in Australia. Sergeant Byrne was awarded a medal dated '1866'. This is unique to the 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment. His name appears as Bryne on the medal. Byrne was tried by court martial three times and his name appears in the regimental defaulters book thirteen times. Only one medal of this date issued this regiment. With service record.