The New Zealand Medal date 1863 to 1866 and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal pair issued to 712 Thomas Appleton, who served in New Zealand with the 12th (East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot, and rose to the rank of colour-sergeant.

 

Thomas Appleton was born 19th August 1838 at Barnton, Cheshire, England. Son of Peter and Ellen Appleton (née Moores). Born into a poor labourer's family, Thomas, like so many in his situation, opted for military life. He enlisted for service with 1st Battalion, 12th (East Sussex) Regiment on 29th August 1860 at Liverpool. He left England in June 1863, bound for New Zealand.

 

Thomas served in New Zealand from October 1866 until August 1867. During this time the 12th Regiment saw much action during the Waikato War, including the significant battles at Rangiriri and Orakau. Thomas returned to England with the regiment in 1867, and in August 1871, married Elizabeth Brotherston at Manchester Cathedral. At this time he transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment and deployed to India, where he served until 1878 and where at least two of his children were born. He was promoted to corporal in 1874, sergeant in 1874 and finally to colour-sergeant in 1877. He was awarded the LSGCM and £5 gratuity on 1st October 1877. Thomas was discharged in August 1881 after nearly 21 years service.

 

Following his discharge, Thomas and his family settled at Shoeburyness, where he worked as an insurance agent and Elizabeth was a school mistress. Thomas died at Hythe in Kent in 1921, his wife having predeceased him in 1916.

 

The New Zealand War Medal is correctly impressed 712 THOS. APPLETON, 1st BN. 12TH REGT. and the LSGCM V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse is correctly impressed 2154. CR SERGT. T. APPLETON, 2-12TH FOOT. This lot comes copies of service papers, birth certificate and census records.