Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Birth date:
11.12.1877
Birth Place:
Auckland, New Zealand
Service Number:
SA2419; 968
Date Joined:
1898
Date Discharged:
31.03.1931
Death date:
22.11.1933
Place of death:
Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
Display No. 4I
WOODWARD, Edwin/Edward Henry
Edwin (Edward) Woodward joined the newly formed Devonport Coast Guard Artillery Volunteers as a gunner in 1898. This unit was, in part, responsible for manning the coastal gun battery at Fort Takapuna. Like many other volunteers, with the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War, he sought to join the contingents that were being formed for service in South Africa. He joined the 5th Contingent on 28 March 1900, and was posted to the 11th Company (Auckland Section), to man a battery of 15-pounder guns and as a gunner/driver. He left New Zealand on 31 March 1900, and returned a year later, being discharged on 11 August 1901. A month later he joined the No.2 Service Company of the New Zealand Permanent Militia. He was posted to Devonport in July 1902, manning the guns at North Head. In October that year his unit was re-designated No. 3 Company New Zealand Engineer Volunteers. Woodward served with this unit through to 1907, including service on the submarine mining vessel Lady Roberts. He went on to join in the Royal New Zealand Artillery as a gunner and driver, serving at Port Chalmers, Dunedin throughout the First World War. He then transferred to Wellington in 1922, remaining until his discharge in 1931.
The Queen’s South Africa Medal, New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal, Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, The New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal
Awarded medal(s)
Medal Description [Left to Right]:
The Queen’s South Africa Medal
The Queen’s South Africa Medal was instituted by Queen Victoria to recognise service in the Boer War in South Africa between 1899 and 1902. On her death in 1901, a new medal called the King’s South Africa Medal was struck bearing the effigy of King Edward VII. These medals were the first awarded to New Zealand servicemen for military service outside New Zealand. Twelve of the possible 26 clasps were awarded to New Zealand military personnel.
New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal
The New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal was originally introduced in 1898 as a meritorious and long service award for the New Zealand Army only. The criteria was amended in 1985 to also include the Navy and Air Force. It is awarded to senior non-commissioned officers (above the rank of Petty Officer or Sergeant) with at least 21 years of good, faithful and meritorious service and who “exhibit an irreproachable record”. It is now restricted to twenty members of the Army, ten from the Royal New Zealand Navy, and fifteen from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Superseded by the New Zealand Defence Meritorious Service Medal in 2013. Ribbon is crimson with a thin green stripe.
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Established in 1910, it was awarded to other ranks of the Permanent Forces of the Dominions and Colonies of the British Empire for 18 years service and good conduct.
The New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal
Instituted in 1887 as the New Zealand Volunteer Long and Efficient Service Medal. It was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the New Zealand Volunteer and Permanent Militia Forces upon completion of 16 years continuous service. The ribbon was originally plain crimson, but two central white stripes were added in 1917.