The New Zealand Expeditionary Force British War Medal and Victory Medal pair to 43061 Gunner James Stevens Fraser Shepherd, New Zealand Field Artillery.

 

James Shepherd was born at Reefton, New Zealand on 29th February 1892. Son of Patrick Nimmo and Margaret Jane Stephens. Prior to the First World War Shepherd represented Otago at cricket, playing primarily as a batsman. He attested for service with the NZEF in 1916, and embarked with the 25th Reinforcements, New Zealand Field Artillery. Following the usual period of training in the UK and Etaples, he was posted to 11th Battery, NZFA in late October 1917. Stephens served in the field for the remainder of the war, returning to New Zealand for discharge in mid-1919.

 

Shepherd represented New Zealand in five matches over the 1921-23 period, including playing two matches against Australia in New Zealand (Eden Park and the Basin Reserve) in February 1921. He scored two half-centuries, with a top-score of 81 in his first-class international career. These were the days before New Zealand was accorded test status (this came in 1930). Today the two matches versus Australia would be regarded as Test Matches.

 

James Stephens served with the National Military Reserve at Dunedin during the Second World War, and is entitled to the 1939-45 War Medal and New Zealand War Service Medal. He died 11th July 1970 at Dunedin and is buried at Dunedin (Anderson's Bay) Cemetery, Block 163. Plot 85. 

 

Both medals correctly impressed 43061 GNR. J.S. SHEPHERD. N.Z.E.F.

Service File held at Archives New Zealand