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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 42

The New Zealand Medal awarded to Suregon-Major E. O'Connell, Medical Staff, who earned a 'mention' for his action during the Battle of Gate Pah

Later present at Te Ranga. O'Connell remained a mainstay of the Medical Establishment in New Zealand for many campaigns and engagements

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (Asst-Surgn. E. O’Connell, Medcl. Staff), minor edge bruise, slight contact marks, very fine

Ex-Tony Sabell Collection of Awards to the Medical Services.

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 May 1866.

Edward O'Connell was born at Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland on 24 June 1837 and joined the Army Medical Department as an Assistant Surgeon on 22 September 1858. He served in the war in New Zealand during 1863-66 and had medical charge of the right wing of a flying column.

During the East Coast Campaign he was present in the engagement at Gate Pah when his colleague Assistant Surgeon W. G. Manley was recommended for the V.C. for which O'Connell was mentioned in despatches:

'In April, 1864, a British force suffered a severe repulse in an attack on what was known as Gate Pa, near Tauranga. The assaulting troops and Naval Brigade retreated from the Pa in Sad disorder leaving 12 officers and 100 men dead or wounded on the ground. On this occasion Assistant Surgeon W. G. Manley, another Artillery M.O., was recommended for the V.C. This officer remained with the wounded to the last, "ministering to their wants with as much sangfroid as if he had been performing an operation at St. George's Hospital." Assistant Surgeons B. J. Henry, E. O'Connell and A.O. Applin were also mention in despatches.'

(The Army Medical Services, 157-69 refers.)

He was also with General Chute's expedition from Wanganui to Taranaki and back, and was present for the attacks on Okotuku, Patahi, Otapawa, Kitioniti, Pakitl, Ketemarla, Walkoko, and Merimeri. O'Connell was appointed a Surgeon-Major on 1 April 1873 and retired from the service on 3 December 1877. Settling at Springfield, Netley Abbey, Hampshire he died on 17 January 1908; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£1,000 to £1,400

Starting price
£800