The Memorial Cross issued in commemoration of Allan George Coomber, who died as a prisoner of war in Greece in 1941.

 

Born 24th February 1919 at Gisborne, son of John Patrick and Elsie Menary Coomber (née Dunning).  Birth registered under his mother's maiden name as his parents did not marry until 1923. At the time of his enlistment in the 2nd NZEF Allan was working as a kitchen hand for NZ Railways at Frankton Junction. He embarked with the 2nd Echelon, 21 Battalion and spent time training in the UK prior to deployment to Egypt.

Coomber was reported as missing in July 1941, suggesting he was wounded and captured on Crete, but this has not been confirmed. He died on 12th September 1941 in hospital in Athens from gas gangrene from an infected leg wound. He is buried in Phaleron War Cemetery, Athens.

 

The cross is correctly impressed 21349 PTE. A.G. COOMBER