The New Zealand War Medal issued to 140 2nd Corporal Richard Skingle Kirby, Commissariat Staff Corps for service in New Zealand 1860 - 1867.

 

Richard Skingle Kirby was born 1831 at Hackney, London. Son of George and Anne Kirby (née Bundy). He married Isabella Pearson in 1850, and in 1857 joined the Royal Horse Artillery as a driver. Two years later he transferred to the Commissariat Staff Corps, and deployed to New Zealand in 1860. He served seven years in New Zealand, signing a re-engagement of service (10 years) in 1867. He subsequently returned to England, and in 1868 transferred to the Army Service Corps (service number 1156) and was promoted to 2nd Corporal. Kirby was promoted to corporal in 1871 but ill-health forced his discharge from service in August 1872 having served 14 years, 282 days. His character was described as 'Very Good' and he was in possession of three 'Good Conduct' Badges. At his discharge in Dublin, Kirby, 38 years of age, stood 5'4" tall and had brown hair and a fair complexion.

 

Richard Kirby died 25th February 1873 at Bethal Green, London.

 

Medal is undated, as Kirby was not serving with the CS Corps when the medal was issued in 1869. It is correctly impressed 140 2nd CORPL RICHD KIRBY, C.S. CORPS and is confirmed on the medal roll. Copy of service papers attached.