Maori Wars Medals

Lot 2094    Session 7 (11.30am Wednesday)    Maori Wars Medals

Estimate $1,250
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,200

NEW ZEALAND MEDAL 1861-1866. 1121 John Simonite, 2nd Bn 14th Regt. Impressed. Very fine.

John Simonite was born in Sheffield, York(c.1833). He enlisted in the 3rd West York Regiment of Militia on 2 September 1854. Simonite transferred from the Militia to the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment on 2 March 1859. He was promoted to Corporal on 16 March 1859. However, his conduct shortly thereafter saw him demoted to Private and imprisoned for a short period. Service during this period was in Dublin and the Irish counties. On 1 November 1859 he was restored to the rank of Corporal and on 4 May 1861 promoted to Sergeant. Simonite formed part of the first contingent of men of the 14th Regiment posted to New Zealand. He served in New Zealand from January 1861 to September/October 1866. He participated in numerous actions including those at Waitara Block, Paparata, Rangiriri, Okotuku, Te Putahi, Otapawa and Waikoko. He held various ranks in New Zealand including that of Sergeant however he was demoted to Private on 18 September 1863 for an offence which also saw him confined for a short period. From November 1866 he was based at Adelaide, South Australia. Private Simonite re-engaged at Hobart Town, Australia on 28 October 1867. Simonite transferred to the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment of Foot (The Royal Irish Regiment) on 13 March 1870, seemingly while still in Australia. He returned to England with the 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish Regiment in 1871 and was based at Devonport, Gosport and at Aldershot. His service was not exemplary and he never retained his earlier ranks. Simonite and his regiment were sent to India, where they landed on 14 November 1874. Private Simonite served with the regiment until his discharge on 11 February 1879. His service of 21 years and 90 days included 14 years and 8 months overseas. His service in New Zealand totalled 5 years and 319 days, Australia 3 years and 309 days and India 4 years and 25 days. At time of discharge he was aged 45 years and 11 months. He was awarded a medal dated 1861-66, the main issue for the 14th Regiment. This New Zealand Medal was the only medal awarded to Simonite during his service. Simonite was court martialled twice and his name appeared in the defaulters book 8 times. With service record.