WWI Records NZ - Frederick GATES

[elsie ellen]

Greetings Rootschatters.

For some time I have been trying to find the WWI service records for my husband's gr uncle Frederick George GATES. They were not to be found. After "chatting" tonight with some Australian Rootschatters the possibility was raised of him possibly serving with the British Army rather than the Australian.

So I widened the search and I'm not sure how...you know how you can keep clicking away...I stumbled across an entry for Frederick George Gates in the AWM Commemorative Roll serving with the NZ Expeditionary Forces.

The entry reads as follows:
Frederick George GATES
Rank: Private
Service No: 23827
Unit: NZ Expeditionary Force
Service: NZ Military Forces
1914-1918
Date of Death: 2 Aug 1919
Cause of death: Drowned

As Frederick returned from the war, I never checked this Roll. Sadly, he did die in 1919. He committed suicide by drowning.

I would appreciate some help / guidance to know how to check on this information in NZ. Is there access available to WWI service records? Where do I begin?

Your help will be very much appreciated.

Elsie

[neil1821]

Here's the link you need to New Zealand archives

http://www.archives.govt.nz/doingresearch/nzdfpersonnelfiles.php

Neil

[elsie ellen]

Thank you Neil.

I've followed that link and have found the reference information required.

Do you happen to know of a site that might give detailed information on the movements of the NZ Expeditionary Force? Where might I learn about their colour patches etc?

I have also been lead to believe that he was decorated? Is there a way of finding out other than obtaining his service records?

A lot of questions...hope you don't mind?

Cheers

Elsie

This is all new to me and I appreciate your help.

[harribobs]

elsie

you may find this site of interest

http://www.diggerhistory.info/

[neil1821]

Elsie,
You could start by downloading his medal card from the (British) National Archives.
Will cost you £3.50

Here it is:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=6370424&queryType=1&resultcount=1

Neil

[elsie ellen]

This is amazing! 

I'll arrange to obtain a copy of that in the morning.

Thank you so very much Neil.

Elsie

[themonsstar]

Hi
He was awarded the Military Medal (Gates F.G. 23827) since deceased. The Auckland Regiment 1914-1918.

[elsie ellen]

I am so grateful to you for confirming that Thermonsstar. 

Would his service records reveal why he was awarded the MM or do I need to look elsewhere?

Elsie