Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Victoria New Zealand L.S. & G.C. pair awarded to Staff Sergeant J. Martin, New Zealand Permanent Militia

New Zealand L.S. & G.C., V.R. (No.125 1/C Sapper James Martin, No.2 Service Compy. N.Z.P.M. (1899)), on plain maroon ribbon; New Zealand (Permanent Militia) L.S. & G.C. (No.123 1/C Torpedoman J. Martin, N.Z.P.M.), ball mount and ring suspension, good very fine (2) £700-900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Extensive Collection of Medals for Long and Meritorious Service.

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New Zealand (Permanent Militia) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was awarded in 1892 and notified through GO 7 of 1893. Approximately 105 medals were awarded in the period 1887-98 when it was the only award for long service in the regular forces.

New Zealand Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was awarded on 28 October 1899 and notified through GO 19 of 1899. Just 49 awards were made between July 1898 and September 1903.

James Martin was born on 22 January 1860 in Victoria, Australia. A Carpenter by trade, he attested as No. 1619 Constable in the New Zealand Armed Constabulary on 2 July 1879. On 17 September 1886 he transferred to the New Zealand Permanent Militia, Torpedo Corps, as No. 125, 3/C Torpedoman from which he was promoted to 2/C on 1 September 1887, and 1/C on 1 April 1888. He transferred to Auckland on 14 December 1888. On 19 June 1896 the Torpedo Corps of the New Zealand Permanent Militia became No. 2 Service Company of the N.Z.P.M. in which he became 1/C Gunner on the same day. He was posted to Wellington in February 1897 and to Dunedin in April 1898, becoming 1/C Sapper in December of that year. On 15 October 1902, No. 2 Service Company of N.Z.P.M. became the Royal New Zealand Engineers and his Section of the R.N.Z.E. became the Electric Light Section on 1 October 1907, on which day he became Gunner. At the end of October 1912 he transferred to the Artificer's Section as a Carpenter and was promoted Corporal. In 1914 his service was extended to age 60, and at the end of October 1915 he was promoted Sergeant Artificer, and then to Staff Sergeant on 31 October 1919. He retired on 2 July 1919 on superannuation, having completed 40 years of service, as Staff Sergeant Dunedin Detachment, Artificer Section of the Royal New Zealand Artillery. His residence at that time is given as 25 Jackson Street, St Kilda, Dunedin.

Sold with copied research.