| Place | Oceania: New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/08526 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1866 |
| Conflict |
New Zealand Wars, 1845-1872 |
New Zealand Medal : Private H McAvernon, 40th Regiment of Foot
Description
New Zealand Medal. The recipients rank, name and unit are impressed on the edge. Obverse: Diademed head of Queen Victoria with a veil covering the back of her head. Around the circumference is the legend 'VICTORIA D:G:BRITT:REG:F:D'. Reverse: A plain centre within a laurel wreath with around the circumference 'NEW ZEALAND' on top and 'VIRTUTIS HONOR' at the bottom. The medal is fitted with a straight ornamental suspender and a piece of 32 mm ribbon of dark blue which has a 10 mm red stripe down the centre.
History / Summary
Awarded for campaign service in New Zealand. Private Hugh McAvernon was a reinforcement for the regiment and enlisted in Melbourne, Victoria on 4 July 1857. Born at Island Kerry, Drunmore, County Down, Ireland, McAvernon was a shoemaker by trade when he enlisted, aged 32 and 10 months. The 40th Regiment was posted to New Zealand in 1860 where he served for five and a half years. McAvernon was discharged in New Zealand on 2 January 1866.