Maori Wars Medals

Lot 2095    Session 7 (11.30am Wednesday)    Maori Wars Medals

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

NEW ZEALAND MEDAL 1861-1866. 383 George Washington 2nd Bn 14th Regt. Impressed. Very fine.

With service record. MID. London Gazette: 'Conspicuous for his coolness and bravery in the attack on the enemy's stronghold at Rangiriri, New Zealand on the 20th November 1863.' George William Washington was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1838. He enlisted in the 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment on 1 June 1858 - originally for a period of ten years. He was sent to New Zealand in November 1860 and was under fire at Rangiriri in the Waikato on 20 November 1863. He was mentioned in dispatches for gallantry at this action. Private Washington was promoted to Corporal on 1 November 1863. He deserted his regiment on 10 June 1864 and was not recovered until 23 November 1865. His whereabouts during this period are unknown. He was imprisoned until his trial by court martial on 28 November 1865 and was sentenced to reduction to the ranks, imprisonment until 22 January 1866 and loss of 6 years and 8 months service towards his good conduct pay (and medal) and pension. Washington married Elizabeth Connell at Auckland on 14 April 1866, suggesting that he had met her whilst AWOL. He left New Zealand on 14 October 1866 and accompanied his Regiment to Australia where he remained in service until March 1870. On 1 March 1870 Private Washington sought transfer to the 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish Regiment (who were also in Australia ex New Zealand). This was granted and he re-engaged at Hobart Town, Australia for a further period of 10 years service. The War Office also restored the good conduct pay lost as a result of his prior desertion during his service in New Zealand. The Regiment left for England on 19 August 1870. Private Washington remained with the 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish Regiment until his final discharge on 3 January 1881. Although Washington earned four good conduct badges he was not awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on account of his desertion. At the time of his discharge he had served 20 years and 358 days.