The British War Medal and Victory Medal issued to the next-of-kin of Herbert Petersen, who was wounded on Dead Man's Ridge on Gallipoli in early May 1915. He died of wounds on 19th May 1915.

 

Herbert Petersen was born 12th February 1893 at Palmerston North, son of Peter and Cecilia Peterson (née Voss). At the time of his enlistment in 1914 he was working as a carrier for the New Zealand Express Company in Palmerston North. He enlisted for service on 1st September 1914, and embarked with 14th (South Otago) Company, Otago Infantry Battalion, Main Body. He would have landed on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, and servedduring the early, hectic days of the invasion. Hebert suffered a wound to his right thigh (compound fracture) almost certainly during the action at Dead Man's Ridge in early May. He was evacuated to Egypt, where he developed septicaemia, and died on 19th May 1915. He is buried in Alexandria (Chatby) Military And War Memorial Cemetery, M. 138.

 

The Manawatu Express carried an obituary for Herbert on 22/5/1915: "Very deep regret was expressed in Palmerston to-day at the news that Private Herbert Valentine Petersen, of the Otago Infantry Battalion, had died of wounds received at the Dardanelles in the early stages of the struggle. Private Petersen was an employee of the New Zealand Express Company's branch at Palmerston, and immediately on the outbreak of war volunteered for service with the New Zealand Force. He was 22 years of age and a son of the late Mr and Mrs P. Petersen, early Kairanga settlers. In a letter written to Mr. Aitchison on the eve of his departure from Egypt with the troops, Private Peterson stated that all were glad to get away, as they were heartily sick of the sandy desert. He was in fine form and hoped to be soon in the conflict. A sister of deceased is Nurse Petersen, of the Palmerston Hospital. A younger brother lives in Palmerston. Of a bright and cheery nature, Private Peterson's death will be lamented by all his friends, and their sympathy will be fully extended to the sorrowing sister and brother, who have the knowledge that their brother fell while nobly doing his duty to his King and country."

 

Both medals are correctly impressed 8/1106 PTE. H.V. PETERSEN. N.Z.E.F.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand