NEW ZEALAND MEDAL

NEW ZEALAND 1845 TO A COLOUR SERGEANT OF THE 68TH REGIMENT WHO WOULD HAVE FOUGHT AT GATE PA DURING THE TAURANGA CAMPAIGN

NEW ZEALAND 1845, UNDATED REVERSE ‘2267. CR. SERGT. GEORGE LEONARD. 68TH FOOT.’

George Leonard, a 23 year old labourer from Castle ***, Bristol, enlisted into the 68th (Light Infantry) Foot on 29 May 1844. Promoted Corporal in April 1848 and Sergeant in 1850, he advanced to Colour Sergeant in January 1854. Serving with his regiment in New Zealand between 1864 and 1866, he would have taken part in the Tauranga campaign, including the battles of Gate Pa.

Service papers note he served in Malta, Ionian Island and the East Indies for just over 8 years and New Zealand for 2 years, 4 months.

Leonard was discharged in consequence of a medical disability, at Portsmouth on 14 July 1866. His conduct, unsurprisingly, was given as very good.

Condition GVF. Sold with copy service papers (digital). A good high ranked NCO’s medal.