The very complete casualty group issued to the next-of-kin of 26/205 Cpl. Joseph Rayner, who was thrice wounded on the Western Front, succumbing to his wounds in August 1918.

 

Joseph Rayner was born 17th September 1894 at Oldham, Lancashire, England. Son of James Arthur and Margaret Ellen Rayner (née Hyde). The family moved to New Zealand around 1907, setting in Christchurch. At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in 1915 Josepg was working as a machinist for the NZ Railways. He embarked with 4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade in early 1916 and was in the trenches by May of that year. He was wounded in July 1916, suffering a gunshot wound to his hand. By October 1916 he was back with his unit in the field. He was wounded again, during the Battle of Messines suffering another gunshot wound to the hand. After a period of treatment and recovery, he was back with his unit by August 1917. Joseph was promoted to corporal in March 1918 but his luck ran out, being seriously wounded in the head in late April 1918. He died in hospital at Le Havre from complications stemming from his head wound on 3rd August 1918. He is buried in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre.

 

The pair is correctly impressed 26/205 CPL. J. RAYNER. N.Z.E.F. and the Memorial Plaque is correctly embossed JOSEPH Rayner. This comes in the original cardboard sleeve and includes the King's message in its original envelope. The group is complete with the Memorial Scroll and Certificate of Service. These have both been mounted on card many years ago and show signs of wear and tear. The certificate is very faded, which is typical of these casualty certificates originally printed in a purple ink.

 

It is rare to find such a complete group to a member of the NZEF.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand