The British War Medal/Victory Medal pair issued to 14434 Albert James, 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment.

 

Albert James was born 15th February 1880 at Palmerston North, New Zealand. At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in 1916 he was working as a driver for the Public Works Department in Whangarei. He embarked with the 14th Reinforcements and served on the Western Front with 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment from late October 1916. He was with his unit throughout the following months, including the Battle of Messines. Im November 1917 he was hospitalised suffering from complications from "an old gunshot wound to his nose". It has not been determined when this injur occured, but possibly dates from prior to his war service. Albert was subsequently classified as unfit for further service, and embarked for New Zealand in August 1918. He was medically discharged and issued Silver War Badge NZ15025.

 

Both medals are correctly impressed 14434 PTE. A. JAMES. N.Z.E.F. and have been mounted for wear.

 

 

Service file held at Archives New Zealand