1914/15 Star trio, Silver War Badge and large RSA badge to 10/1046 Private William Lock, Taranaki Company, Wellington Infantry Battalion who served on Gallipoli for six months, and was groom to Lt-Col. William Malone's horses.

 

William Lock was born in 25th February 1996 at Martock, Somerset, England. Son of John William and Grace Lock (née Best). In January 1904 Lock joined the Somerset Light Infantry at Taunton, his occupation at the time being given as labourer. After serving for three years, Lock transferred to the Army Reserve and came out to New Zealand. He was serving with 11th (Taranaki) Regiment when he enlisted for service in August 1914.

 

Lock joined 11th (Taranaki) Company, Wellington Infantry Regiment and sailed with the Main Body in October 1914. In Egypt he was appointed groom for Lt-Col. Malone's horses, Don and Billy. Lock's service file also notes his qualification as 'Colonel's Groom'. Lock landed on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, and served on the Peninsula throughout the majority of the campaign, only being invalided off in October 1915. This implies he served through all the significant battles which so decimated the New Zealand battalions - none more so than the Wellingtons. He was not wounded, and his survival would seem to be something of a miracle. In 1916 he served in the field from May to September 1916 before being invalided back to the UK. He returned to New Zealand for discharge, leaving the UK in July 1917.

 

All medals correctly impressed 10/1046 PTE. W. LOCK. N.Z.E.F., the Silver War Badge is numbered NZ8208 but this has not been verified due to a lack of a register for this badge. The RSA badge is engraved 10/1046 in the typical style for these early badges. The group also comes with a King's Badge for Loyal Service of WW2 vintage. It is unknown how this is related, or if it is related, to Lock.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand