The British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Plaque issued to the next-of-kin of 6/1989 Pte. Richard Stevens, who was wounded during the chaotic days of the August offensive at Chunuk Bair and who later died of his wounds.

Richard Stevens was born 14th December 1877 at Christchurch, New Zealand. Son of Captain James and Maria Ann Stevens (née Webb). His father, Captain John Stevens was lost at sea in November 1888 when the Schooner he was in command of, the “Lizzie Guy” was wrecked at sea off Mararoa Point. At time of enlistment, Richard was unmarried. He was employed as a quarryman and lived with his mother at ‘Beach Glen’ in Summer. His mother was his next of kin. Richard was attested at Trentham on 5 January 1915, embarking with the Fourth Reinforcements on 17 April 1915. They disembarked in Egypt on 25 May. Richard joined the Canterbury Battalion in the field at Quinn’s Post, ANZAC Cove on Gallipoli on 28 July. He was wounded in action on 7 August, suffering a severe gunshot wound to his right leg and thigh and subsequently  evacuated to Alexandria on H.S. Dongola on 13 August. Richard was admitted to the 15th General Hospital at Alexandria where he died of his wounds on 12 September. He was buried at the Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Cemetery, Egypt.

The 1914/15 Star in this group is unnamed, and the other two medals are correctly impressed 6/1989 PTE. R. STEVENS. N.Z.E.F. The Memorial Plaque is also correctly named Richard Stevens and comes with the original cardboard sleeve.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand