The 1914/15 Star trio and UK Meritorious Service Medal awarded to 12/603 James McGovern who served on Gallipoli and with II Anzac Headquarters 1916-1918.

 

James McGovern was born 20th April 1894 at Dublin, Ireland. At the time of his enlistment in August 1914 he was working as a driver for  the local shipping firm of J.R. Reyburn. He embarked with the Main Body NZEF and most likely landed on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, with 15th (North Auckland) Company, Auckland Infantry Battalion. I June 1915 he transferred to the ANZAC Divisional Headquarters where he served until the evacuation. He is likely one of the few soldiers to serve for the entirety of the Gallipoli campaign.

 

James transferred to France in April 1916, and was posted to II Anzac Headquarters. He served continuously on the Western Front apart from brief periods on duty in the UK throughout the rest of the campaign. His lengthy and excellent service was marked with the award of the UK MSM in 1919 (L.G. 3/6/1919). James discharged from the NZEF in the UK, later residing in his native Dublin.

 

The MSM is correctly impressed 12/603 PTE. J.J. McGOVERN AUCK: R. and the trio is correctly impressed 12/603 PTE. J.J. McGOVERN. N.Z.E.F.