The Queens South Africa Medal issued to Bernard Neil Atkins, who sailed as a reinforcement for the 6th and 7th NZMR Contingents in South Africa before transferring to the 9th NZMR Contingent.

 

Bernard Neil Atkins was born 4th February 1882 at Motueka, New Zealand. Son of John and Annie Margaret Atkins (née Ladd). He was working as a labourer in Motueka when he was selected as a reinforcement for the 7th NZMR Contingent then serving in South Africa. He embarked on the S.S. Cornwall in February 1902 with the 8th Contingent, and on arrival travelled by train into the Free State. Bernard subsequently transferred to 9th NZMR Contingent, returning back to New Zealand in August 1902.

 

Bernard married Mary Ellen Duncan at Riwaka in August 1910, and by the time he was conscripted for service in WW1 in 1918, he was working as a farm manager at Waituna West north of Feilding. He was posted to the 47th Reinforcements, and was on leave without pay when the Armistice was declared in November 1918. Bernard died at Palmerston North on 31st October 1960 and was cremated.

 

Medal is correctly impressed 8173 TPR: B.N. ATKINS. N.Z.M.R. 9TH CONT: , the Orange Free State clasp is loose on the ribbon, which us typical for these as it was issued two years after the other two (rivetted together) were issued.