Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine long service group of thirteen awarded to Wing Commander G. L. Stedman, New Zealand Air Force
1914-15 Star (7/612 Lieut., N.Z.E.F.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt., R.A.F.); Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals; New Zealand War Service Medal; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long service, G.V.R. (Sqn. Ldr., N.Z.A.F.); New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal (Flt. Lt., N.Z.A.F.); New Zealand Territorial Service Medal (Flt. Lt., N.Z.A.F.); Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R. (Wing Cmdr., R.N.Z.A.F.) together with ANZAC Commemorative Medallion, named, and accompanying lapel badge, numbered (7/612) very fine or better and a rare group (15)

Gerald Lomax Stedman was born at Timaru in 1891, and educated at Napier Boys High School and Lincoln Agricultural College. He embarked for service overseas in the ranks of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles on 16 October, 1914, being promoted 2nd Lieutenant 21 October, 1915. Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in June 1916 and was promoted Captain on 11 April, 1918. He was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 27 August, 1918. Stedman returned to New Zealand in 1919 and farmed for several years at Eketahuna. He played an important part in the early development of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, having joined the Territorial Air Force in 1923. He was 1st instructor to the Wellington Aero Club between 1930-37, and commanded No. 2 Squadron R.N.Z.A.F.(T). He later became chief instructor to the Canterbury Aero Club and officer commanding Christchurch (T) Squadron R.N.Z.A.F. Mobilised as Wing Commander in January 1942, his last active appointment was Commanding Officer, H.Q. Base Depot, No. 1 Islands Group (R) in the New Hebrides. Sold with further research.