11/828A Edward James Lance, Wellingon Mounted Rifles
1914/15 Star - WMR KiA Gallipoli
The 1914/15 Star issued to the next-of-kin of Edward James Lance, who was killed in action on 30th August 1915 at Gallipoli.
Edward Lance was born on 9th July 1884 at Richmond River, New South Wales, Australia. At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in December 1914 he was working as a labourer for the Public Works Department at Stratford. He was initially posted into the Auckland Mounted Rifles with the number 13/828 but in March 1915 he transferred to the Wellington Mounted Rifles with the number 11/828a.
Lance embarked with the 3rd Reinforcements, and landed on Gallipoli on 16th August 1915. This was just prior to the Battle of Hill 60, a series of actions largely fought by the Mounted Rifles Brigade. Lance was listed as killed in action on 30th August. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Hill 60 (New Zealand) Memorial.
The 1914/15 Star is correctly impressed 11/828A TPR. E.J. LANCE. N.Z.E.F. Casualty medals to the Wellington Mounted Rifles for Gallipoli are fairly scarce on the market, so this represents a great opportunity to secure one such medal.