LEST WE FORGET: Anzac Feature Installation

Concept by Thomas Amos

29 April - 15 October 2006

Collection of the Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
*NB: The soldier featured in the image is not Sergeant
Reginald Devonshire. Image is courtesy of the Waikato Times.

There is often a sadness that belies the shiny engraved medals that we are accustomed to seeing on display in museums:  for it is these objects that are more like memorials to those that should have received them on the return from battle rather than posthumously.
 
Sergeant Reginald Joseph Devonshire served in the New Zealand Army Corps in Italy; it was here that he met his death on the 21st of March 1944 in the Battle of Monte Cassino.  Sadly for the wife and family of Sergeant Devonshire and others who lost loved ones due to war, medals are not only a reminder of bravery, but also of loss.

The Installation Components:

Medals World War II Medals
Awarded posthumously to Sergeant Reginald Joseph Devonshire Serial No. 12145, of Hamilton

The 1939-1945 Star
Awarded for six months service in specified operational areas

The Africa Star
Awarded for service in North Africa between June 1940 and May 1943

The Italy Star
Awarded for service in Italy and adjacent countries between June 1943 and May 1945

The Defense Medal
Awarded to New Zealanders who served overseas in a non-operational area such as Great Britain, Palestine or Fiji

The War Medal 1939-1945
Awarded to all full-time members of the armed forces for 28 days service between September 1939 and September 1945 irrespective of where they served.

The New Zealand War Service Medal
Awarded for one month full-time service or six months part time service New Zealand Campaign

Lee Enfield Rifle
Lithgow Small Arms Factory
1936

Australian supplied short magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) No.1 MK.III .303 rifle

Acknowledgements

The Waikato Museum would like to thank the Waikato Returned Servicemen’s Association for their assistance and Stephanie Lambert, Senior Curator – Te Awamutu Museum.