The British War Medal and Victory Medal pair issued to 37460 Sgt. George Ralph Walsh, who served in the field with the New Zealand Tunnelling Company.

 

George Ralph Walsh was born at Papakura, Auckland on 8th March 1882 to parents Henry and Esther Elizabeth Walsh (née Stokes). A miner by trade, Walsh embarked with 3rd Reinforcements, NZ Tunnelling Company in October 1916 and served on the Western Front from July 1917. He was promoted to Sergeant at the end of the war.

 

Walsh served with the 5th Auckland Battalion, National Military Reserve during WW2, and is entitled to the 39/45 War Medal and NZ War Service Medal. He died in Auckland on 18th May 1961.

 

Both medals are correctly impressed 37460 SGT. G.R. WALSH. N.Z.E.F.  Note, the photograph in the listing is just for illustrative purpose and does not purport to show Walsh.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand