The British War Medal and Victory Medal pair issued to Thomas Fitzgerald, who was wounded during the Battle of Messines. Group is complete with his dog tags.

 

Thomas Fitzgerald was born 30th August 1895 at Springsure, Queensland, Australia. Son of Thomas George and Amanda Fitzgerald (née Anderson). At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in March 1916 he was working on his father's farm at Kerikeri in Northland, New Zealand. He embarked with the 14th Reinforcements, and was posted to 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field on 1st October 1916. On 4th June 1917, during the Battle of Messines, he was wounded in action but remained with his unit. He served in the field throughout the remainder of the war of 1917-1918, and returned to New Zealand in May 1919.

 

Thomas Fitzgerald died at Waimate North on 12th December 1982 and is buried in the Saint John the Baptist Church Cemetery.

 

Both medals are correctly impressed 14246 PTE. T. FITZGERALD. N.Z.E.F.