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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 826

(x) An unusual Great War pair awarded to 2nd Lieutenant H. Mortenson, New Zealand Field Artillery, who was seriously concussed during a Divisional football match on the Western Front in November 1917 and spent the remainder of the war in a series of hospitals, until being struck off strength on 26 December 1918

British War and Victory Medals (17252 2/Lt. H. Mortenson, N.Z.E.F.), together with original base metal identity disc, 'N.Z. 17252 2. Lieut. H. Mortenson, M.', nearly extremely fine (2)

Herbert Mortenson was born on 25 October 1887 and lived at 1 Fore Street, Wellington, New Zealand. He worked as a dairy farmer prior to joining the N.Z.F.A., in which latter capacity he was originally employed at home as a Gunner in 'D' Battery. In April 1917, he joined the Overseas Expeditionary Force and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. He finally disembarked at Etaples on 8 July 1917 and was posted six days later to 'B' Echelon of the New Zealand Divisional Ammunition Column.

On 30 November 1917 Herbert took part in a football match at Boschepe, France. Whilst attempting to regain possession of the ball, he collided with a player of the opposing team and took a considerable blow to the left side of the neck which left him unconscious for an hour afterwards. He was immediately sent to No. 10 C.C.S. and thence to No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux, but his condition was such as to require evacuation back to the 2nd London General Hospital at Chelsea on 9 December 1917. His medical notes report persistent headaches and confusion, including neurotic behaviour and depression, 'lacking objective'.

His notes make it very clear that his circumstances were purely caused by an accident 'in the performance of military duty' and 'during recreational training' but, interestingly, two witnesses were required to confirm the incident. Herbert returned home aboard the S.S. Paparoa on 8 October 1918 and was placed on the Retired List on 27 April 1921.


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Sold for
£160