The 1914/15 Star trio awarded to 11/1684 Cpl. Thomas Ernest Donnelly, who served with the Wellington Mounted Rifles in Egypt before transferring to the NZ Army Postal Corps.

 

Thomas Donnelly was born 25th January 1896 at Matakanui, New Zealand. Son of Thomas Christopher and Honora Ann Donnelly (née Ford). At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in August 1915 he was working as a postal worker for the Post and Telegraph Department in Wellington. He embarked with the 7th Reinforcements, Wellington Mounted Rifles. After serving in Egypt, Donnelly transferred to the Army Postal Corps in February 1916, and embarked for the Western Front in April 1916. In September 1916 Donnelly was posted to the UK before returning to France in February 1917, where he was attached to the Divisional Train. He was promoted to corporal in December 1917. In February 1918 Donnelly was posted to HQ, XXII Corps where he served in the field throughout 1918. He returned to New Zealand and was discharged in May 1919.

 

After the war Donnelly married Gladys Spurgeon, with the couple residing in central Auckland. Thomas is listed as civil servant during the 1920s and 30s so presumably continued to be employed by the Post and Telegraph Department. He died 23rd January 1977 at Christchurch, and was buried at Ruru Lawn Cemetery.

 

All medals are correctly impressed 11/1684 CPL. T.E. DONNELLY. N.Z.E.F.

 

The photo of Donnelly is taken from his 1965 Brazilian immigration card, presumably raised during a trip he made there.

 

 

Service file held at Archives New Zealand