New Zealand WW1 Duo to 33404 Pte. A. P. S. Matthews N.Z.E.F. - CIR & NZ Div Hquarters
A full size, WW1 medal Duo to 33404 Private Albert Patrick Stephen Matthews of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Albert was a clerk for S Gilmer of the Royal Oak in Wellington. He lived at the Leviathan Hotel in Wellington, with his next of kin, his Sister, living at Knights Road in Lower Hutt. Albert was born in Wellington, New Zealand.
He started his service on the 18th of Sept 1916 as part of B Coy, 21st Infantry Reinforcements and left New Zealand on the 19th of Jan 1917.
Sadly he failed to re-embark on his troopship at Capetown on the 24th of Feb 1917, and missed his transport. Albert then continued with the 22nd Reinforcements a month later on the 25th of March 1917.
Albert arrived at Devonport on the 26th of April and marched into Sling Camp and joined the 4th Reserve Battalion of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment.
He then embarked for France on the 28th of May 1917 and joined his unit in the field, in France on the 19th of June 1917.
On the 14th of Jan 1918, Albert was attached to the NZ Divisional Headquarters.
He was awarded 7 days Field Punishment No.2 on the 7th of Feb 1918 for being drunk.
On the 31st of March 1918, he was appointed Cook.
On the 15th of June 1918 he was evacuated out, sick, with Mumps to Casualty Clearing Station No.21.
To Hospital on the 29th of June 1918
To Convalescence Depo No. 2 (Rouen) 6th of July 1918.
Discharged to NZ General Depo Etaples 7th of July 1918.
Rejoined NZ Divisional Headquarters on the 14th of July 1918.
Appointed Cook.
On Leave to the UK on the 18th of July 1918.
Rejoined unit 5th of Aug 1918.
Embarked for New Zealand from the UK on the 11th of March 1919.
Discharged the 27th of May 1919 due to termination of hostilities.
Albert passed away on the 4th of July 1963.
Both Albert's medals are in good condition, with lengths of ribbon attached. This is his full entitlement.
His WW1 Service file can be read online here:
http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=21373805