The scarce 1914/15 Star trio, complete with original boxes of issue and postal envelopes, to 7/1349 who served throughout the campaign in Egypt and Palestine with the NZ Mounted Machine-Gun Squadron.

 

Ronald Donaldson was born 14th April 1887 at Dunedin, and at the time of his enlistment in May 1915 was working as a labourer in Timaru. He embarked with the 6th Reinforcements, Canterbury Mounted Rifles and served on Mudros and Lemnos in late 1915. He transferred to the 1st NZ Mounted Machne-Gun Squadron, with whom he served through the campaign in Egypt and Palestine.  He would have seen extensive action during all the major battles of the campaign as the machine-gunners played a crucial role in maintaining the advance of the NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade.

 

Donaldson was eventually discharged after the armistice, suffering the effects of Malaria but in the harsh environment of the desert campaign his record of virtually unbroken service is a rarity in the NZEF.

 

All three medals are correctly impressed 7/1349 TPR. R. DONALDSON. N.Z.E.F. (the star is guaranteed correctly named, but is unable to be photographed). The group comes with the original boxes and transmittal envelopes - these are rare to have survived. All items are mounted in a deep frame. This can be removed for postage if required.

Service File Held at Archives New Zealand