The British War Medal and Victory Medal pair issued to the next-of-kin of Trooper Stanley Hall, who was wounded at Hill 60, Gallipoli and died of his wounds two weeks later.

 

Stanley Hall was born 23rd September 1887 at Wellington, New Zealand. Son of Archibald and Catherine (Kate) Hall. He was educated for a time at Nelson College (1903) before taking up an apprenticeship at the Wellington - Manawatu Railway Company. When that company was sold, he farmed at Ohau (near Levin) before working as an agent for his father's coaching business between Christchurch and the West Coast.

 

He attested for service with the NZEF in August 1914, and embarked with 1st (CYC) Squadron, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Main Body. Hall served in Egypt, not deploying to Gallipoli until August 1915. During the Battle of Hill 60, probably on 28th August, Hall suffered a gunshot wound through the spine, causing immediate paralysis. He was initially reported missing, but was later recovered and evacuated to Malta, where he died of his wounds on 11th September 1915. He was buried in Pieta Military Cemetery.

 

The BWM and VM are both correctly impressed 7/498 TPR. S. HALL. N.Z.E.F., the group also comes with a genuine 1914/15 Star which has been nicely engraved 7/498 TPR. S. HALL, but is an unofficial replacement, presumbably done privately.