The 1914/15 Star trio issued to Robert Joshua Surgenor, who served during the capture of Samoa in 1914 and on the Western Front throughout 1916 - 1918, being wounded on two occasions.

 

Robert Surgenor was born on 1st January 1894 at Wallaroo Mines, South Australia. Son of Robert and Elizabeth Surgenor (née Brokenshire). The family emigrated to New Zealand later in the 1890's, settling at Rimu on the West Coast. Surgenor later earned a scholarship and joined the civil service, working the Government Insurance Office, before enlisting for service in Samoa in August 1914. Surgenor served during the capture of Samoa, with 5th (Wellington) Regiment, before returning to New Zealand for discharge in April 1915.

 

Surgenor re-enlisted in October 1915, and was posted to the 9th Reinforcements, NZ Field Artillery. He embarked for Suez in January 1916, arriving in March 1916. He transferred to the Western Front in April 1916, where he served with 9th Battery, NZ Field Artillery as a gunner. He was promoted to bombardier in July 1917. Surgenor was wounded by gas shelling in October 1917, and evacuated to the UK. On recovering, he returned to his unit in April 1918. In September 1918 Surgenor was wounded once again by gas shelling. By the time he had been treated, the war was over and he was embarked for New Zealand.

 

Surgenor married Ettie Louisa Ballantyne in 1921, and died in Napier on 15th April 1959.

 

All medals correctly impressed 1/329 CPL. R.J. SURGENOR. N.Z.E.F.