7/303 Robert John Beattie NZEF
NZEF Trio - 7/303 Beattie
The 1914/15 Star trio issued to 7/303 Robert John Beattie, who served at Gallipoli and in Egyptian of 1916-1917.
Robert Beattie was born 11th April 1888 at Christchurch, New Zealand. Son of John Young and Jessie Beattie (née Gibb). At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in August 1914 he was working on his father's farm at Bottle Lake near Burwood in Christchurch. He was posted to 1st (CYC) Squadron, Canterbury Mounted Rifles and embarked with the Main Body in October 1914.
Whilst in Egypt, Beattie trained as a signaller and on posting to Gallipoli in October 1915, he transferred to 10th (Nelson) Squadron, CMR in this capacity. Following the evacuation of the peninsula in December 1915, Beattie remained with the CMR, and served during the Egyptian campaign until being struck down with gastritis and being evacuated to the UK for treatment. He returned to Egypt and his unit in June 1917, and the following month was transferred to the NZ Field Engineers. He suffered from further bouts of gastritis which, in early 1918, brought about his classification as unfit for further service and embarkation to New Zealand for discharge.
After the war Beattie farmed at Waimamaku in the Hokianga. He died 16th June 1954 as Ashburton.
All medals are in as-worn, uncleaned condition and are all correctly impressed 7/303 TPR. R.J. BEATTIE. N.Z.E.F.