New Zealand WW1 BWM to 12964 Rflm. J Bashall N.Z.E.F. NZ Pioneer Batt & 4th Batt N.Z.R.B
A single, full size Silver British War Medal to 12964 Rifleman James Bashall of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
James was a coal miner prior to WW1, working at Puponga for Tasker and Levien, which is near Nelson and the South Islands Farewell Spit. He lists the Mine's manager, a friend as next of kin, while his Mother is also listed, who resided in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England. James was born in Lancashire, England.
James started his service on the 15th of Jan 1916 and joined H Coy of the 12th Reinforcement draft (the 12th were the 3rd Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th New Zealand Rifle Brigade).
James had slight issues while training.
On the 11th of March 1916, he received 2 days Confined to Barracks (CB) for absence without leave from Fatigue Party, while at Featherston Camp.
On the 2nd of April 1916 he overstayed his leave from Camp, but this charge was dismissed.
He embarked on the 5th of May 1916 for Overseas service.
Disembarked at Suez on the 22nd of June 1916.
Embarked at Alexandria for the UK on the 26th of July 1916.
Disembarked at Southampton on the 7th of Aug 1916.
Posted the same day to C Coy, 5th Reserve Battalion of the NZRB at Sling Camp.
Embarked for France on the 20th of Aug 1916.
Marched into NZ General Base Depo Estaples on the 21st of Aug 1916.
Marched out to Division on the 3rd of Sept 1916.
Joined his unit, the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion in the field on the 4th of Sept 1916.
To Hospital sick on the 18th of Nov 1916.
Admitted to No.3 NZ Field Ambulance same day.
Rejoined unit on the 22nd of Nov 1916.
Transferred to the 4th Batt of the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade on the 24th of July 1917.
Joined C Coy, 4th Batt, 3rd NZRB in the field on the 25th of July 1917.
On leave to the UK on the 10th of Sept 1917.
Overstayed his leave and was admonished
Rejoined unit on the 23rd of Sept 1917 in the field.
Wounded in action on the 12th of Oct 1917 (Battle of Passchendaele).
Admitted to NZ No.1 Field Ambulance same day with a Gun Shot wound to the left forearm (severe).
Admitted to 2nd Canadian Casualty Clearance Station same day.
Admitted to No. 8 General Hospital Rouen on the 14th of Oct 1917.
Evacuated to the UK on the 15th of Oct 1917.
Admitted to No.1 NZ General Hospital Brokenhurst on the 16th of Oct 1917.
Discharged to NZ Convalescence Depot Hornchurch on the 26th of Oct 1917.
Absent without leave from Hornchurch on the 30th of Nov 1917 and given 2 days Confined Barracks (CB).
Classed as medically unfit due to wounds received by medical board on the 8th of Jan 1918 and placed on NZ Roll.
Embarked for NZ on the 2nd of Feb 1918.
Discharged from the NZ Army on the 9th of July 1918 due to no longer being physically fit due to wounds received in action.
James passed away on the 31st of March 1928 at Waipukurau due to issues with his lungs.
He was awarded a Victory medal to also go with his BWM. Sadly I don't know where the other medal is. His BWM is in good, uncleaned condition and comes with length of original silk ribbon attached.